Bleeding in pregnancy: when to be concerned

It doesn’t matter if it occurs at the beginning, middle or end of pregnancy, nor if the woman is a first, second or multiple trip mother: any small bleeding that appears in the pregnant woman’s panties is capable of making her lose sleep. And in this case, a certain amount of concern is really welcome!

Of course, not all bleeding is cause for despair. In some situations, the blood is even normal and does not represent a risk for pregnancy. But it is essential that the case be investigated.

Check out the possible reasons for bleeding at different stages of pregnancy below:

first trimester

According to Janifer Trizi, gynecologist and obstetrician at Hospital e Maternidade Brasil, of the D’Or São Luiz network, bleeding at this stage of pregnancy can represent a threat of abortion or bleeding from the uterine cervix. In both cases, it is essential to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

second and third quarters

According to gynecologist and obstetrician Janifer Trizi, in the second and third trimesters, placental abruption may occur, which is a more serious condition.

“The presence of placenta previa – abnormality in the implantation of the placenta -, can also present bleeding throughout pregnancy”, adds the doctor. It is a case that can bring complications to pregnancy, so it should be diagnosed as soon as possible. In this situation, bleeding is usually profuse, bright red and not necessarily accompanied by cramping.

At the end of pregnancy, premature detachment of the placenta may also occur, which has as symptoms, in addition to bright red or dark blood, strong cramps and persistent contractions. The situation is serious and must be dealt with urgently.

“Regardless of the type of bleeding, it is essential for the patient to go to the hospital to be examined and perform USG, making it possible to make an accurate diagnosis, saving mother and fetus”, highlights gynecologist and obstetrician Janifer Trizi.

It is also very important that the expectant mother does not despair in these bleeding situations, let alone take any medication without medical advice.

sexual relations

Reports of pregnant women who had some bleeding after sexual intercourse are common. “In this case, it is necessary to stop the act immediately and look for the nearest hospital”, highlights gynecologist and obstetrician Janifer Trizi. It is also important to avoid sexual intercourse again until you know the cause of the bleeding and listen to the doctor’s instructions.

Mothers’ reports

Altina Rivoli, 34, a housewife, says that, around the fourth month of her pregnancy, she had bleeding that scared her a lot. “I didn’t feel any pain, but I thought the bleeding was strange and went to the emergency room to make sure everything was okay. I ended up spending the whole night in the hospital, as I had a urinary tract infection. It was a tremendous scare, as I thought I might have a placental abruption. The doctor then prescribed me a specific medicine and plenty of water to hydrate. Thank God everything was fine,” she reports.

Denise Ferreira, 31, a teacher, says that in the 11th week of pregnancy, she had bleeding after sexual intercourse. “I went to my gynecologist as soon as possible, but he found that everything was fine with me and the baby. After that I had sexual intercourse without any problems,” she says.

Medical appointment

In the consultation with the gynecologist, after the bleeding, it is essential that you explain to him, in detail, everything that happened, so that he can diagnose the case.

The characteristics of the bleeding may indicate its causes: how long did the bleeding last? Was it light or heavy bleeding? Was it accompanied by pain? These and other questions are very important.

It is also worth noting that, as bleeding in pregnancy can occur for different reasons – it may or may not be something serious -, it is not possible to talk about a single treatment. “There are several diagnoses, so for each case a specific treatment will be indicated or the correct guidelines will be given”, says gynecologist and obstetrician Janifer Trizi.

Preventive measures

Although bleeding can occur for different reasons in pregnancy and, in some cases, is unavoidable, some precautions can help prevent a miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy:

• Do not smoke or use drugs of any kind, including alcohol;
• Maintain a balanced diet;
• Do regular medical checks;
• Follow all the guidelines passed by your doctor from the beginning of the pregnancy;
• Do not hesitate to seek medical help if in doubt.

By following these simple tips, your pregnancy will likely be smooth, without risking the mother or baby.