Pregnancy & Bleeding in the First Trimester

Many women, especially those experiencing their first pregnancy, labor under the false assumption that bleeding during the first trimester can mean only one thing: miscarriage. Although bleeding during the first trimester can in fact indicate a miscarriage, it could also be caused by other events and conditions, some of which are perfectly normal.

  1. Implantation

    • At some point during the first two weeks following conception, the fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus, a normal event that often causes mild vaginal bleeding or spotting.

    Miscarriage

    • The American Pregnancy Association states that up to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most such losses taking place in the first trimester. In addition to vaginal bleeding, signs of miscarriage include severe cramping and passing tissue-type discharge.

    Ectopic Pregnancy

    • Vaginal bleeding along with severe abdominal pain, shoulder or neck pain, nausea, or low blood pressure may indicate an ectopic pregnancy (a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical treatment), which occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside your uterus.

    Infection

    • Occasionally, a treatable condition such as a urinary tract infection or pelvic cavity infection may cause mild bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy, usually accompanied by a burning sensation during urination.

    Intercourse

    • Due to the increased sensitivity and tenderness of your cervix, normal intercourse during the first trimester may cause bleeding. If this occurs, stop having sex and discuss the bleeding with your doctor.

    Considerations

    • If you experience any bleeding during the first trimester, contact your obstetrician or midwife just to be safe. Depending on the type of bleeding, she may conduct an ultrasound, pelvic exam, or blood test to check the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, which indicates whether or not your pregnancy is progressing normally.

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