Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may occur, particularly in the first trimester, and should always be taken seriously. At times, the bleeding is not due to a serious cause and no intervention may be necessary. However some of the causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can indicate an underlying problem and there may be a risk to you or your unborn child.
A few days after conception, you will notice a little spotting or a light bleed. This is known as the implantation bleed and is normal. However if the bleeding is profuse, persisting or accompanied by significant abdominal pain, then you should consult with your doctor immediately. Women who have missed a period, have the signs and symptoms of pregnancy but have not as yet confirmed it with a test should still be cautious about a vaginal bleed as it could be a miscarriage. Do not assume that the vaginal bleeding is your delayed period.
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After conception, the fertilised egg exits the fallopian tubes and attaches itself to the lining of the uterus where the fetus will grow and develop. In most cases, the attachment or implantation occurs on the endometrium of the uterus and the fetus has enough space to grow as the uterus stretches and expands. However in an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilised egg does not attach to the endometrium of the uterus. Implantation may occur elsewhere, usually in the fallopian tubes (tubal implantation or ‘tubal pregnancy’) and less commonly in the cervix, ovary or abdomen.
