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

2nd or 3rd trimester

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

1. Incompetent cervix (a premature opening of the cervix, which can lead to preterm birth)
2. Miscarriage (before the 20th week) or intrauterine fetal death
3. Placenta previa
4. Placental abruption
5. Preterm labor (which might result in light bleeding — especially when accompanied by contractions, dull backache or pelvic pressure)
6. Problems with the cervix, such as a cervical infection, inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix
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 mucus, 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.

• Definition
• When to see a doctor

• Share
• Tweet

Jan. 15, 2019