Bleeding During Early Pregnancy

Pregnant woman suffering belly ache lying on a sofa at home

If you’ve had bleeding early in your pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many other pregnant women have had early bleeding, too. And in most cases, nothing is wrong. But your healthcare provider still needs to know about it. He or she may want to do tests to find out why you’re bleeding. Call your healthcare provider if you notice bleeding during pregnancy.

What causes early bleeding?

The cause of bleeding early in pregnancy is often unknown. But many factors early on in pregnancy may lead to bleeding or spotting. These include sexual intercourse, which may cause bleeding in any trimester. Here are some other causes:

  • Implantation of the embryo on the uterine wall
  • Subchorionic hemorrhage (bleeding between the sac membrane and the uterus)
  • Miscarriage
  • Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

If you notice spotting

Spotting (very light bleeding) is the most common type of bleeding in early pregnancy. If you notice it, call your healthcare provider. Chances are, he or she will tell you that you can care for yourself at home.

If tests are needed

Depending on how much you bleed, your healthcare provider may ask you to come in for some tests. A pelvic exam, for instance, can help see how far along your pregnancy is. You also may have an ultrasound or a Doppler test. These imaging tests use sound waves to check the health of your fetus. The ultrasound may be done on your belly or inside your vagina. Your healthcare provider also may order a special blood test. This test compares your hormone levels in blood samples taken 2 days apart. The results can help your healthcare provider learn more about the implantation of the embryo. Your blood type will also need to be checked to evaluate whether you will need to be treated for Rh sensitization.

Warning signs

If your bleeding doesn’t stop or if you notice any of the following, seek medical help right away:

  • Soaking a sanitary pad each hour
  • Bleeding like you’re having a period
  • Cramping or severe belly pain
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Tissue passing through your vagina
  • Bleeding at any time after the first trimester

Questions you may be asked

Though not normal, bleeding early in pregnancy is common. If you’ve noticed any bleeding, you may be concerned. But keep in mind that bleeding alone doesn’t mean something is wrong. Call your healthcare provider right away, though. He or she may ask you questions like these to help find the cause of your bleeding:

  • When did your bleeding start?
  • Is your bleeding very light (spotting) or is it like a period?
  • Is the blood bright red or brownish?
  • Have you had sexual intercourse recently?
  • Have you had pain or cramping?
  • Have you felt dizzy or faint?

Monitoring your pregnancy

Bleeding will often stop as quickly as it began. Your pregnancy may go on a normal path again. You may need to make a few extra prenatal visits. But you and your baby will most likely be fine.

Accepted Insurances

May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology participates with the following insurances. Please note that office copays are due at the time of service and any co-insurances are the responsibility of the patient. Please check with your carrier or call our office at 717-397-8177 for an updated menu of insurance options.

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Please consider the following when booking:

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New Patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.

Additionally, your insurance coverage will be verified when you check in for your visit. Please confirm that we accept your insurance before booking online. If we do not accept your insurance, you will not be seen and your appointment will be canceled.

Each patient is unique, and so is each appointment type!

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.