It is totally common and normal to face spotting or vaginal bleeding during the first 12 week of pregnancy. Don’t panic, it is normal in early pregnancy. Many women who experience bleeding will go on with healthy pregnancy and baby.

First Trimester

• Implantation bleeding- A common cause of bleeding happens when the fertilized egg implants to the uterine lining. Normally this spotting happens for 6-12 days before your menstrual period but you do not know that you are expecting, so you may misunderstand it as a light menstrual period.

• Cervical polyp- About 2 to 5 percent of women have polyps on the cervix. Cervical polyps are usually benign, but they may lead to bleeding during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels. After sexual intercourse, gynecological exams, such as a vaginal ultrasound and heavy lifting/excessive exercise,  some spotting may occur in the following  days.

• Ectopic pregnancy- It occurs when the fertilized egg mistakenly implants somewhere outside the womb, such as fallopian tubes. Since your baby can only grow and develop in the womb, normally ectopic pregnancies have to be medically treated. Please note that it is not your fault to cause an ectopic pregnancy.

• Molar pregnancy- A rare occurrence which may lead to miscarriage. It happens when an abnormal fertilized egg develops into abnormal tissue instead of a baby.
• Miscarriage- It may begin as spotting and then become heavy bleeding. It is undeniable that any heavy bleeding in the first trimester, especially if you feel pain, might be leaded to a miscarriage. It happens up to 20 percent of all pregnancies, it is not your fault.

Second trimester & third trimester

• Cervix problem- It is usually not serious. You may have spotting from the area around the cervix due to an increased number of blood vessels in the tissue at the surrounding cervix.
•  Preterm labor- It may occur with contractions, dull backache or pelvic pressure. At this time, you are encouraged to take more rest and relax.
• Placenta previa- Normally, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus. When the placenta covers the cervix, it will cause severe bleeding during pregnancy.
• Light bleeding which is close to the end of pregnancy could be a sign of labor. This vaginal discharge is pink or bloody.

Please tell your doctor if you have any kind of bleeding and call your doctor especially if you notice heavy bleeding similar to a menstrual period to make sure the bleeding is not a result of pregnancy complications. Abnormal bleeding in the last trimester may be more serious because it can signal a complication with you or your baby.