Bleeding during pregnancy

It's a fact universally acknowledged that pregnancy equals no periods, which is why bleeding during pregnancy can be such a shock.

The Mumsnet Talk boards are packed with women asking for advice about bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Given that about one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, this isn't that surprising.

"I bled during pregnancy with both babies. With the first it was at eight and 10 weeks and like a period for one week each time. With my second pregnancy it was at 10 weeks again and lasted for a week. I never did find out what caused it, but each time it was so heavy that I was convinced it was all over. Both daughters were born fit and well." Mirage

Bleeding can be a danger sign for miscarriage, so it's always advisable to contact your GP or midwife straight away.

In the early stages of pregnancy, bleeding can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy (where the foetus is developing outside the womb), but not always.

"I've had two ectopics and one successful pregnancy (after the eps). I had brown bleeding and no pain with ep no 1 and brown bleeding and terrible pain with the successful pregnancy, and red bleeding with pain with ep no 2." AitchTwoOh

However lot of women who experience bleeding go on to have successful pregnancies.

One mum explains: "Any bleeding during pregnancy should be taken seriously but most bleeds especially those that are brown result in the pregnancy continuing. Every time I have had any bleeding I always ask for a scan and you are entitled to it. Most places are very understanding about bleeding. Internal ones are generally only done before eight weeks. It's only fair you know all the reasons for this and most likely it is cervical erosion or hormonal changes. Implantation bleeds occur at 7-10 days post-fertilisation. However, there's a small chance of a missed miscarriage, which can start by having a little old bleeding.

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"Everyone has so many stories of bleeding during pregnancy and the outcomes that happen but you will only know what your outcome is by having a scan. Don't worry and suffer alone. I have had bleeding every pregnancy. Two have been fine and two haven't." Quackers

Other causes of bleeding during pregnancy can be:

Placenta implanting in the lower part of the uterus (placenta praevia)
Placenta beginning to come away from the uterus (placental abruption)
Vaginal infection
Cervical erosion

"With my dd I bled until 23 wks, sometimes brown, sometimes red and had lots of pains too. In my case, the placenta had torn away slightly, but bed rest and all was OK." Lucykate

You may have a 'show' in later pregnancy. This is a small amount of blood mixed with mucus and is a sign your cervix is getting ready for labour.

If you're bleeding early in pregnancy, you will probably be given a trans-vaginal ultrasound to try to determine whether you're still pregnant and to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.

One Mum explains what happens: "Basically they let you strip off your bottom half, you lie down with a cushion under your bum. They put a blanket over you to cover your lady bits and then they put some jelly on the end of the probe thing before inserting into you. Believe me, that bit doesn't hurt. It may be slightly uncomfortable at most but it really doesn't hurt." Mandymoo