The Beginning of a Bumpy Ride: Everything You Need to Know About Bleeding and Spotting During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

[url=file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=312777][img]http://www.pascalgenest.com/istock/seriesImages/banners_featuredImages.gif[/img][/url] [url=file_search.php?action=file&lightboxID=312798][img]http://www.pascalgenest.com/istock/seriesImages/banners_women.jpg[/img][/url] abdomen of a pregnant woman

When you first find out you are pregnant, the emotions run high. It is a scary, thrilling time, and it is going to be full of excitement and fear as you grow your little one in your body.

With all of the changes going on inside you, it can be hard to tell which ones are normal and which ones you should be concerned about. For most people, bleeding is always scary, but the fact is it is quite common during your first trimester.

So when is bleeding normal and when is it something you should seek treatment for? Here is a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about bleeding and spotting during your first trimester.

First Trimester Worries: Bleeding and Spotting

 It’s hard to simply ignore bleeding as normal because it can occasionally be the sign of something serious. However, at least one in five women have bleeding during their first trimester due to perfectly normal things like:

  • Implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This type of bleeding often acts like a light period.
  • Cervical polyps, or harmless growths on your cervix. It sounds alarming, but these are usually caused by the extra blood vessels surrounding your cervix when you are pregnant. Contact in this area from sexual intercourse or your normal gyno exams can trigger the area to lightly bleed.
  • Exercising, more than light amounts of exertion. It is suggested that you continue exercising during pregnancy if your doctor feels it is right for you, but more than light exercise can cause spotting.

Even though these are commonly found in the first trimester, if you are concerned about your baby’s health you can always use a pregnancy tracker to ensure that things are moving along as they should be.

When to Ask a Doctor for Advice

There are times when bleeding should not be ignored, however. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Heavy bleeding, similar to a menstrual cycle. This is not necessarily a critical problem, but it can be a sign that there is something going on that you might not be able to see.
  • Infectionin the vaginal area. Bleeding is sometimes a sign that you may have an infection in the cervix or vagina, such as an STD. These usually can be fixed but need to be addressed as soon as possible before they get worse and affect the baby.
  • Bleeding in the lower abdomen accompanied by severe cramping. If you experience heavy bleeding and cramping, contact your doctor immediately. The first twelve weeks are when most miscarriages will occur if they are going to happen, so these are not symptoms to ignore.

It’s Going to be a Bumpy Ride

 Even beyond the basic bleeding and spotting concerns, your body will go through different changes no matter how many times you have already been pregnant. There is no such thing as a stupid question, so if you are not sure if something is right, ask your doctor.

You are carrying a miracle in your body – you have every right to be concerned!

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