Bleeding after exercise/exertion?

[CTR1000]

Currently 10+4, first pregnancy. For the past couple of years have done a fair amount of both HIIT and weights based training and have been trying to keep this up as much as possible as everything I’ve read suggests it’s fine (and potentially better for later in pregnancy etc/labour etc).

Did a HIIT type class on Saturday morning (managed my HR and avoided anything too strenuous) and then dug over my front garden that afternoon. Had a bit of spotting Saturday night and then a big bleed Sunday morning. Was lucky enough to get a scan on EPU Sunday afternoon and everything fine (thank goodness). No idea where the blood came from, midwives not too concerned.

Have now started to worry that I induced the bleeding by exerting myself too much. Has this happened to anyone else? Any thoughts?

I don't know to be honest. It could just be a coincidence.

I'm high risk this preg, so I have an obstetrician, and she said that whilst exercise is good, it is known that 'overdoing' it in pregnancy can lead to higher risks of some things (preterm birth was among them but can't remember what else). I am also predisposed to overdoing it! I have to be really careful, but feel so frustrated when I can't dig the garden or whatever.

I've learnt that for me, I have to stop when I feel the very first tiny twinge, as if I don't I spend the rest of the day and some of the next day in pain on the sofa. No bleeding but clearly my muscles/ligaments are suffering. Obviously you are different to me, but I suppose it's about finding your limits.

I think every body is different, and some people will be able to do HIIT throughout preg and be fine. Some women go running into the third trimester, and some women can't even run in the early second trimester.

Can you just cut down? Do HIIT one day and digging the next day? Even if it's likely it's not the cause of the bleeding, is it worth the risk?

I had this a couple of times early on (between 7-10 weeks I think it was) and am now 37 weeks and baby is all good :) I'm a powerlifter and it happened a few times after gym sessions even though I had toned things down when I found out. I stopped with the weights after about 15 weeks because I felt absolutely terrible but plan to start back once little one is here. Been active in lots of other less strenuous ways instead.

Fingers crossed its the same with you :)

It could be a coincidence but personally, I’d avoid repeating the exercise just in case. I know the research says it’s fine but I think it’s better to be safe than sorry

Thanks all. Sounds like there might be a relationship then but who knows!

Will cut back a bit I think and see what happens. Won’t miss digging the garden 😂

I had bleeding at 10 weeks for a week or so - every day it would happen in the afternoon after I had taken the dog out for a walk. I was seen by EPU after three days of it happening and turned out I had a polyp on my cervix. I guess walking was causing irritation to it. It happened again at 26 weeks on and off for a couple of weeks, but has stopped again now at 29 weeks.

If it keeps happening it may be wise to reduce the exercise a little.

I'm still powerlifting up to 80% of what I was pre-pregnancy and that has not caused any bleeding, 27wk now. Today I was carrying a set of drawers round the shop that I bought which said 2 man lift on the box lol. No form of exercise has really caused any issues on this front, though walking the do has become exhausting and makes my hips painful.
I did get spotting after sex at 14wk, not let hubby near me since and he's now working away so no more issues there.

*dog