You had a period but Im still pregnant?
Bleeding During Pregnancy
Many women experience some form of bleeding during pregnancy. While this is not always a cause for concern, it's important to understand the different types of bleeding and when to seek medical attention.
Types of Bleeding During Pregnancy
* Implantation bleeding: This is a light spotting or bleeding that occurs 6 to 12 days after conception, when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. It usually lasts for 1 to 3 days.
* Break through bleeding: This type of bleeding occurs when the surface of the cervix becomes irritated or damaged. It's not uncommon for women to experience breakthrough bleeding after intercourse or a pelvic exam. It's usually light and lasts for only a few days.
* Subchorionic hemorrhage: This is bleeding that occurs between the placenta and the uterine wall. It's also known as placental abruption. Subchorionic hemorrhage can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding. It can be serious, so it's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
* Ectopic pregnancy: This is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube or ovary. Ectopic pregnancies can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bleeding, and dizziness. They can be life-threatening, so it's important to seek medical attention if you think you might have an ectopic pregnancy.
* Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It's a common complication of pregnancy, affecting up to 20% of pregnancies. Miscarriage can cause a range of symptoms, including bleeding, cramping, and back pain. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any bleeding during pregnancy. However, there are some situations in which it's particularly important to seek care right away:
* Bleeding is heavy or lasts for more than a few days
* You're having abdominal pain or cramping
* You're feeling dizzy or lightheaded
* You have a fever
* You're having trouble breathing
Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy
There are many possible causes of bleeding during pregnancy. Some of the most common include:
* Implantation bleeding
* Break through bleeding
* Subchorionic hemorrhage
* Ectopic pregnancy
* Miscarriage
* Placenta previa
* Abruptio placentae
* Other medical conditions
If you're experiencing bleeding during pregnancy, your doctor will want to determine the cause so that they can provide the appropriate treatment. They may order tests such as a blood test, urine test, or ultrasound.
Treatment for Bleeding During Pregnancy
The treatment for bleeding during pregnancy will depend on the cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include medication, surgery, or bed rest.
If you're experiencing bleeding during pregnancy, it's important to seek medical attention so that the cause can be determined and the appropriate treatment can be provided.