You start your pregnancy and notice bleeding. Immediately, you’re overcome with fear – what if I’m having a miscarriage? Although bleeding during pregnancy can be alarming, some is benign and poses no risk to you or your baby.
Between 20-30% of pregnant women have irregular bleeding, which is called spotting. According to the FMOQ’s November 2024 update, one-third of pregnancies will experience bleeding in the first trimester, and half of these will progress normally.
This so-called normal loss can be largely attributed to :
- Nidation of the fertilized egg. As it implants in the endometrium of the uterus, blood loss may follow;
- A friable cervix (which bleeds easily in the face of hormonal changes);
- The presence of a polyp;
- the presence of chlamydia.
Sometimes, during a vaginal examination or sexual intercourse, light bleeding may occur. This is not an indication of a problem at first sight, but simply the result of friable tissue.
What’s important is that the bleeding remains :
- In small quantities (We’re talking about an abnormal quantity here if the flow is strong enough to fill sanitary towels.);
- Pink, red or brownish (corresponding to coagulated blood);
- That there are no large clots or intense, persistent abdominal pain, in which case it’s best to refer your symptoms to a health professional.
For a doctor, the important thing is to make sure that the pregnancy is going well in the woman’s uterus, so first-trimester bleeding will not be considered a medical emergency.
However, there are 3% of pregnancies in which the egg is implanted elsewhere than in the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), as in 93% of cases in the fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy).
If you notice bleeding, the best thing to do is not get carried away, remain calm and continue to monitor the situation. If necessary, don’t hesitate to consult your health care professional.
Marie Fortier
The Baby Expert
Updated article : November, 2024.
Reference :
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FMOQ, congrès de la Santé de la femme, Québec, novembre 2024. Les saignements durant le premier trimestre.
