Spotting during pregnancy? Oh, boy! You don't know if it's supposed to be there or not. What is happening?! Is this a big problem, or is it just another aspect of pregnancy that you didn't sign up for but are now forced to deal with? Well, let me tell you, whether your spotting is major or minor; pinkish-red, brown, or even slightly yellow-tinged; light drips of blood (I mean seriously gross) — we're going to handle it like a boss.
Understanding why spotting happens
It can happen at any time from conceiving and beginning gestation through delivery - oh joy! The thing about having babies is that they come with all sorts of fun side effects such as morning sickness, exhaustion beyond human comprehension but also spotting.
Here are some common things that might cause some shedding down under:
-
Hormones: During early pregnancy especially within the first six weeks or so many people experience changes in hormone levels which could stimulate their cervix causing bleeding. This may tend towards being lighter than a menstrual period and more punctuated with less continuity between those little accidents.
-
Implantation Bleeding: Fertilized eggs implanting normally result in vaginal discharge including some signs of slight bleeding around 6-12 days following conception occurring more frequently on days 8-10 approximately.
-
Sexual Contact (OH MY GOSH!): A human body tends to get super sensitive when pregnant so sexual contact prior consultation might be something that causes sporadic bleeds due to bumps created by penetration (Ouch I reckon...)
When should I worry?
As aforementioned there are numerous reasons why one would pass out strains of red juice occasionally during gestation (yum!). If what you suddenly see looks much darker than usual such as bright red tomato soup/butternut pumpkin soup or closer to cola tinted fluid, accompanied by intense cramps in your abdomen or back. Call the baby doctor immediately and start off with a glass of ginger tea.
In addition to this (brace yourselves), heavy bleeding that comes along when you've established pregnancy successfully has begun is also symptomatic of issues like ectopic pregnancies (where the egg fertilizes outside the womb) miscarriages and other problematic circumstances which need some assistance from professional pediatricians.
So what to do?
Don't freak out for starters (it's hard.). Instead! See Your Obstetrician/Gynecologist who will want to know all about timing, duration, consistency/continuous frequency, volume etc. while checking mother-child vitals looking into any trouble manifesting itself through other symptoms such as fever,chills,painful urination etc...
The following may occur during checkup:
- An ultrasound - The best way hands down for visual diagnosis-Checks over good ol' baby[Damn those babies are so cute]
- Antibody testing - Checking moms propensity( I mean levels not personality) against uncommon diseases [oops]
- HCG blood tests Testing for pregnancy hormone history
- Other alternatives including but not limited: Inspecting Amniotic fluids surrounding baby at regular intervals/microscopic tissue examinations.
Best course of action:
You're now dealing with spotting ('cause well let's face it ladies we're superwomen...cheesy?)
Step 1: Monitor Yourself(must do)
Keep an eye on things: Observe whether bleeding happens only once every few hours or if its streaming speed slowly picks up throughout time similar to a period cycle evolving before gradually dripping out(note another apology here).
Step 2 : Rest
Relaxation might just fix it man-I'm serious(take note loved ones if Y'all don't get that we need our daily fix of Grey's Anatomy). If this is a more delicate issue, you'll have been advised to reduce all physical activity levels or quit work altogether for some time. Keeping stress at bay during pregnancy really does help.
Step 3: Tell your gynecologist.
Use your speed dial button and chat with the Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Share with them all details such as duration,timing,evidence found etc.(what are friendlies for?),
Step 4 : Always follow Your Plan(A must-do):
Strictly adhere to the action plan put in place by the pediatrician - Follow their advice on maintaining breastfeeding/Self-feeding . As Bloody Mary liked to say “Practice makes perfect” (Chuckles)
In conclusion
It can be extremely alarming if spotting occurs(True Story) but remember that every woman is unique and it's not entirely out of character when stuff happens outside routine.This article has hinted towards minor bleeding associated symptoms one needs to watch over while encouraging assistance from trained professionals so overall making what we call "A VIP Pregnancy Kit List" which comprises "Rest","Monitoring Yourself" ,"Consultation always (In most cases)"and"Following A Plan(Mandatory)".
We don't want panic; we just want you healthy and full term by child-birthing day.