Why Am I Bleeding?

For any mum-to-be, bleeding is a frightening prospect. But it doesn’t always mean the worst

As an expectant mum, seeing any blood on your panties when you go to the loo is probably the thing you worry about more than anything else. But bleeding in pregnancy is actually quite common, particularly during the first trimester. And while it’s only natural for you to be concerned, in reality only one in 10 pregnant women who bleeds goes on to lose her baby.

BLEEDING IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER

Bleeding is more common during the first three months than at any other stage of your pregnancy. There are different reasons why you might bleed during this time but, unless the blood loss is heavy and accompanied by abdominal pain, it’s rarely a cause for concern. It’s more likely to be caused by one of the following:

SPOTTING

The most common type of bleeding in pregnancy, spotting normally happens because of fluctuating hormone levels around the same time that you were due to have a period. It’s often called ‘breakthrough bleeding’, lasts a day or two and the blood is dark red or even brown. Unless you’re in pain, spotting is usually nothing to worry about.

IMPLANTATION BLEEDING