Is it normal to bleed at the beginning of your pregnancy

They will advise you what to do. In early pregnancy, you might get some harmless light bleeding, called "spotting". This is when the developing embryo plants itself in the wall of your womb. This type of bleeding often happens around the time your period would have been due. Pregnancy can cause changes to the cervix, and this may sometimes cause bleeding — after sex, for example. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

However, if you bleed at this stage of pregnancy it is likely you will go on to have normal and successful pregnancies. If a pregnancy ends before the 24th week, it's called a miscarriage.

Around 1 in 5 pregnancies ends this way. Many early miscarriages before 14 weeks happen because there is something wrong with the baby. There can also be other causes of miscarriage, such as hormone or blood clotting problems. Most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks 3 months of pregnancy and, sadly, most cannot be prevented. Other symptoms of miscarriage include:. If you have bleeding or any of the symptoms above, contact your midwife or GP straightaway.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants outside the womb — for example, in the fallopian tube. It can cause bleeding and is dangerous because the fertilised egg can't develop properly outside the womb. You may need a number of tests, which could include:. Both placenta previa and placental abruption can cause heavy bleeding of bright red blood from the vagina. A vaginal examination is often used to help diagnose placental abruption, but could trigger heavier bleeding in the case of placenta previa.

Therefore, an ultrasound scan should always be taken first, and digital finger vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided in the case of placenta previa. Tests used to diagnose placenta previa include:. Having ruled out placenta previa using the tests above, a digital vaginal examination may be used to identify placental abruption. The bleeding may be light and stop in a day or two.

Many people go on to have a healthy baby at full term after such a bleed. However, sometimes the bleeding becomes heavy and a miscarriage is likely to happen. While you still need to see a doctor, in such circumstances there is no emergency care that will save your pregnancy.

Sometimes, during a miscarriage, some of the pregnancy tissue may remain inside the uterus. This can lead to very heavy bleeding if it is not treated. Your doctor will tell you if you need further treatment. If you are Rhesus Rh negative if you have a negative blood type , you may require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent problems related to possible blood incompatibility in future pregnancies.

You may feel a range of emotions over this time. Your body will be going through changes in hormone levels and this can make you feel very emotional. It may help to talk to family or friends. While there is no specific treatment to prevent a miscarriage, things you can do that may help include:. If you are finding your mood remains low for an extended period of time, you may be experiencing depression and require the assistance of a professional.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Both types are safe and reliable. You can have a medication abortion up to nine weeks of pregnancy. You can have a surgical abortion from around six weeks of pregnancy onwards. Pregnant women with asthma need to continue to take their asthma medication as it is important to the health of both mother and baby that the mother's asthma is well managed.

Pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period, not from the date of conception. Even if your baby furniture meets every safety standard and recommendation, your child still needs close supervision. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately half of these pregnancies may also end in miscarriage, which cannot be prevented.

Sadly, 1 in every 5 to 6 pregnancies are miscarried. There is no medication or treatment that can be given to prevent a miscarriage. If you experience bleeding or pain in early pregnancy, seek immediate emergency medical advice.

You may have to go to the emergency department at King Edward Memorial Hospital. It is recommended women experiencing symptoms of a miscarriage go to the emergency department at King Edward Memorial Hospital, if this is possible.

If you have minimal blood loss and are not in severe pain, you will be assessed as a non-emergency patient and you may be referred to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Service EPAS clinic at King Edward Memorial Hospital. If you previously had an ultrasound that confirmed your pregnancy is in your uterus, the bleeding you are experiencing will not be due to ectopic pregnancy.

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional.

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