Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has many causes. Some are serious, and many aren't.

1st trimester

Possible causes of vaginal bleeding during the first trimester include:

1. Miscarriage — the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week
2. Implantation bleeding — which occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception
3. Problems with the cervix, such as a cervical infection, inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix
4. Ectopic pregnancy
5. Molar pregnancy — a rare occurrence in which an abnormal mass — instead of a baby — forms inside the uterus after fertilization

2nd or 3rd trimester

Possible causes of vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester include:

1. Miscarriage (before the 20th week) or intrauterine fetal death
2. Placental abruption
3. Cervical cancer
4. Incompetent cervix — Premature opening of the cervix — which can lead to preterm birth
5. Problems with the cervix, such as a cervical infection, inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix
6. Preterm labor — which might result in light bleeding — especially when accompanied by contractions, dull backache or pelvic pressure
7. Uterine rupture, a rare but life-threatening occurrence in which the uterus tears open along the scar line from a prior C-section

Normal vaginal bleeding near the end of pregnancy

Light bleeding, often mixed with mucous, near the end of pregnancy could be a sign that labor is starting. Vaginal discharge that is pink or bloody is known as the bloody show.

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April 09, 2014