Know the Risk of Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy in Northern California

Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy may or may not be serious. It can vary from very heavy bleeding and life-threatening hemorrhage to harmless, light spotting. Around 25 percent of women experience vaginal bleeding at some time during their pregnancy.

At Dignity Health North State, our maternity care teams create a calm, healing environment in which they deliver compassionate, friendly care to your entire family. In the event of a problem, we offer the latest treatments and state-of-the-art technology to help keep mom and baby safe. Find a Doctor with expertise in pregnancy complications, including vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, in Northern California today. 

 

Symptoms of Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding can be off-and-on or a steady flow. The blood may appear bright red, light pink, or a brownish color. Pain and cramping will sometimes accompany vaginal bleeding. 

 

What Causes Bleeding During Pregnancy?

There are many causes of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, which can differ depending on the stage the pregnancy. 

First Trimester

  • Miscarriage. Bleeding, especially if it intensifies or persists, can signal the beginning of a miscarriage.
  • Implantation bleeding. Spotting can occur when the embryo implants into the uterine lining.
  • Infection or inflammation of the cervix. The opening of the uterus, the cervix, has a lot of blood vessels. They can bleed due to inflammation, irritation, or infection. 
  • Ectopic pregnancy. If an embryo implants outside of the uterus, such as in the Fallopian tube, vaginal bleeding can occur. 

Second & Third Trimester

  • Placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus 
  • Miscarriage
  • Placenta previa, which is when the placenta covers the internal opening of the cervix
  • Irritation, infection, or inflammation of the cervix
  • Preterm labor, which includes changes to the cervix and contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy

 

Treating Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy at Dignity Health North State

Treatment of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy depends on its cause. Tell your doctor about any vaginal bleeding you experience during your pregnancy, even light spotting. 

There’s no way to prevent all instances vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, but regular prenatal care can help find problems before they start or become serious. If you’re concerned about bleeding, talk openly with your doctor to see if there’s anything you can do to help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Dignity Health North State offers maternity care at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Mercy Medical Center Redding, and Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta.

Dignity Health North State provides care for all types of pregnancy complications, including vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.