Can You Be Pregnant & Have Breakthrough Bleeding?

Breakthrough bleeding can be a cause of alarm to women when they are pregnant, although there is not always reason to be concerned.

Implantation Bleeding

• When the egg first attaches to the uterus wall, there can be a little tearing and bleeding.

Breakthrough Bleeding

• This can happen when you are ready for your period, and the hormone levels are not quite high enough to stop the bleeding from occurring. It is usually short, and typically happens with the first scheduled menstrual cycle following conception.

Bleeding after Sex

• This is the most common reason for breakthrough bleeding. During sex, there is more blood and the cervix is softer. This can happen throughout the whole pregnancy and is not usually a cause for concern.

Actual or Threatened Miscarriage

• Bleeding is one of the signs of a miscarriage, along with backache, cramping and stomach pains. Your doctor will be able to use an ultrasound to check the status of your pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy

• An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg plants itself in your fallopian tube, instead of your uterus. You will start to feel pain in your side, along with some bleeding. It may stop if the tube bursts, but will appear again later on.

Bleeding from the Placenta

• If your placenta is in an abnormal spot, it can cause painless bleeding. Your doctor will prescribe multiple ultrasounds to check the position of the placenta.