What is First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding?
First Trimester refers to the first three months of pregnancy. The entire nine-month period of pregnancy is divided into three trimesters or three stages of pregnancy. That makes each trimester a three month period.
Vaginal bleeding during First Trimester of pregnancy is known as First Trimester Vaginal Bleeding. Vaginal bleeding is common in the early stages of pregnancy. It gives rise to complications in 20 to 30% of all cases of pregnancy. Around 10% women are said to suffer from vaginal bleeding in
First Trimester During Pregnancy.
Vaginal Bleeding can occur at any time during pregnancy. Approximately, one in every three women experience bleeding in the period of their pregnancy. However, bleeding is most likely to occur within the first three months of pregnancy.
Vaginal Bleeding First Trimester Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding in First Trimester generally comes with only one major symptom, bleeding through vagina. This is generally characterized by blood coming out of the vagina, the lower part of the female reproductive tract. The bleeding may vary from mild to severe. Severe bleeding usually comes with clots.
Vaginal Bleeding First Trimester Causes
Some of the factors believed to be the reasons behind this condition are
Miscarriage
Bleeding through the vagina is not one of the surest signs of
miscarriage as many like to think. Thankfully, miscarriages in First Trimester bleeding cases are not very common. About half of all women suffering from the condition never have a miscarriage or any complicated pregnancy condition. However vaginal bleeding may indicate miscarriage in some cases, even though it is not a sign of an impending one.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Bleeding may occur as a result of this complicated condition in which the embryo grafts itself outside the uterus. In such cases, the embryo is generally found implanted in a fallopian tube. It may complicate the pregnancy and in certain cases, even cause life risks. It is usually accompanied with paining or cramping during First Trimester in the abdomen.
Intercourse
Having sex also results in this complication. During pregnancy, more amount of blood flows to the
cervix. The cervix suffers a trauma while you are having an intercourse. A trauma during pregnancy can lead to spotting, or light bleeding. If you are having intercourse during First Trimester pregnancy may get complicated. So take care!
Placenta Previa
Bleeding may also happen if the person is suffering from this condition, marked by an abnormal location of the placenta over the cervix or anywhere close to it.
Cervical Polyp
A
cervical polyp is a common benign growth on the surface of the cervical canal. It is not recurrent like a tumor or polyp but can lead to abnormal menstrual bleeding or spotting after having an intercourse.
Fertilized Egg Implantation
Bleeding may also occur at the start of the first trimester if the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus wall. This usually happens within the first two weeks of egg fertilization.
Pap Smear Test
Some women also experience bleeding after undergoing an internal physical examination like a
Pap Smear Test.
Infections
Sometimes, a sexually transmitted infection or a vaginal infection can cause an irritation or swelling in the cervix. The swollen up cervix may lead to spotting during First Trimester after a Pap Smear Test or an intercourse.
Abnormality in the Placenta
First-trimester bleeding can also happen due to some complicated condition in the placenta.
First Trimester Bleeding Prognosis
Recent researches show that bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy can aggravate risks of delivery in some cases. As aforementioned, it can even be a sign of
Ectopic pregnancy which may give rise to risks in pregnancy and even be life-threatening.
First Trimester Bleeding Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the condition is usually carried out with the help of physical tests. Medical examinations like blood tests, Pregnancy ultrasound and Lab tests are conducted to ascertain the cause of bleeding. The medical history of the patient is taken into account. The physician may also ask you about any recent intercourse you had and other information such as the duration and color of bleeding. The factors which lead to bleeding or stop it are also observed or asked about.
First Trimester Vaginal Bleed – Treatment and Management
Mild bleeding usually stops naturally and needs no treatment. If that does not happen, the condition may be a result of some cause that needs immediate treatment. Women with negative blood groups like A- or O- should ideally visit the doctor within three days.
The treatment usually varies with the condition that is behind the bleeding. In case of an infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotic medicines that are safe for the health of the unborn baby.
If bleeding results due to a case of Placenta Previa, bed rest is usually recommended to the patient.
An Ectopic Pregnancy case is a serious one and needs to be surgically treated. The growing embryo requires to be surgically removed to stop bleeding.
As aforesaid, First Trimester is often counted as one of the miscarriage symptoms. If the bleeding is indeed a sign of miscarriage, the blood loss is compensated with transfusions. First Trimester miscarriage cases are dealt with much care.
First Trimester Bleeding is not a sure sign of any major disease. However, the health of a pregnant woman should not be compromised in any circumstance. If there is a case of vaginal bleeding in your house, it is best to seek medical assistance as early as possible. Giving birth is an important part of a woman’s life and one should always take care that it remains a happy process.