After staying without monthly periods for a while, any sign of vaginal bleeding could spark deep worry and panic. The blood could be due to many reasons, but when cramping is involved, it gives enough reason to worry.
In the article, let’s discuss deeper about cramping and bleeding during pregnancy and what you can do about it.
What Causes Cramping And Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has several causes, including hematoma, implantation bleeding, cervical erosion, vaginal infections, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and molar pregnancy. For cramping, it may result from bloating, muscle pain, expanding womb, urine/urinary tract infections, constipation, and threatened miscarriage.
Bleeding or spotting is common during early pregnancy. While you shouldn’t ignore vaginal bleeding, not all cases signal danger. A general practitioner can quickly diagnose the leading causes and severity of bleeding /cramping through an ultrasound, blood test, or internal examination.
Some degree of abdominal cramping is also expected as your body adapts to the new changes. In most cases, cramping doesn’t mean you have a pregnancy complication. Either way, listen to your instincts and monitor the bleeding and cramping before seeking medical help soonest possible.
The first trimester of pregnancy is crucial as the body undergoes many hormonal and internal/external changes to accommodate the developing baby. That said, it’s safe to pay attention to any unusual developments. I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything to go wrong.
The good news is that most causes of bleeding and cramping are treatable and harmless to you and your baby. Unfortunately, if it’s a miscarriage, nothing can stop it from happening. Nevertheless, do not panic. A lot of women also experience vaginal bleeding and successfully deliver healthy babies
Why Am I Cramping And Bleeding While Pregnant?
If you notice slight bleeding or spotting in the first trimester, it may not be a cause for alarm. According to PubMed, bleeding prevalence in early pregnancy ranges between 7-24%.
However, the risk depends on the blood volume and the bleeding duration. Sometimes, the presence of clots may indicate a miscarriage. In some cases, bleeding may accompany cramping. If the two symptoms persist for a few days, talk to your doctor immediately.
There are several causes for bleeding and cramping during early stages of pregnancy. Let’s dive in to discover some of the most popular causes below.
Causes of bleeding:
1. Implantation – As the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining, the blood vessels around your pregnancy sac may undergo bleeding and clotting. Commonly known as ‘implantation bleeding,’ it involves light period-like bleeding 6-12 weeks after implantation.
2. Cervical erosion – During pregnancy, the neck of your womb (cervix) softens. Additionally, it gets more supply of blood that causes vaginal bleeding. This condition is called ectropion and can be diagnosed through an internal examination.
3. Ectopic pregnancy – When a pregnancy grows outside your womb, especially on the fallopian tubes, you may experience bleeding. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancies have fatal consequences. Aside from losing your munchkin, your fallopian tube may rupture, causing maternal death.
4. Subchorionic hematoma – Also known as subchorionic bleeding, bleeding occurs below membranes enclosing the embryo.
However, the bleeding rarely causes a miscarriage unless accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. Minor and moderate hematomas often go away naturally after some weeks, so you shouldn’t worry. The blood is primarily dark-brown in colour and can be easily re-absorbed by the body. Furthermore, it’s harmless to your baby.
5. Miscarriage – Bleeding could translate to two scenarios. First, it may be a symptom of a threatened miscarriage or could mean an actual pregnancy loss is underway.
Threatened abortions result from trauma caused by falls, specific medication, or injuries on the stomach area. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
This explains why bleeding in the first trimester is a big deal. Watch out for other symptoms, including abdominal cramps and large blood clots. Remember, not every bleeding spells danger. You may get an ultrasound to be sure.
6. Molar pregnancy (gestational trophoblastic disease) – This condition occurs when tissues grow abnormally inside the uterus and may become cancerous. Though rare, molar pregnancy has additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
7. Vaginal infections – Infections are notorious for causing vaginal bleeding, swelling, and inflammation of the uterine lining. Once your doctor confirms the presence of infections through an internal examination, they’ll prescribe antibiotics for treatment. Your partner should get medication if you suffer from a sexually transmitted infection.
Causes of Cramping
Some causes of abdominal cramps include:
1. Constipation – Slow digestion due to estrogen and progesterone hormones leads to constipation. This condition may result in bloating due to tightened, painful abdominal muscles.
2. An expanding womb – As the womb grows in size in early pregnancy to accommodate your baby, the cramping may occur. The discomfort and pain are manageable by taking mild pain medication like Paracetamol.
3. Muscle/joint pains – During the first three months, hormones significantly affect the pelvic and abdominal muscles leading to mild-severe cramping.
4. Urine/urinary tract infections – The Cleveland clinic cites pelvic and abdominal pain as significant symptoms of a Urinary tract infection (UTI). Check with your doctor to get proper treatment.
5. Stretching of the uterus: As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus, it can cause cramping and discomfort.
6. Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI can cause cramping in the lower abdomen and back, along with other symptoms such as painful urination and frequent urination.
7. Miscarriage – bleeding and cramping during the first month of pregnancy are major signs of a miscarriage. Do not panic, as not every pain and bleeding means a pregnancy loss.
Bleeding and cramping during late pregnancy are more serious. Bleeding may be due to Placenta previa, Placental abruption, Preterm birth, and a uterine rupture. Cramping continues as the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus stretch further.
Be on the lookout for sharp lower abdominal pain that’s normal. Cramping may also point to preterm labor that needs urgent medical attention. Whether the cramping and bleeding happen in any of the three trimesters, seek advice in time. Avoid anxiety, stay calm, and be cautious.
How To Curb Cramping And Bleeding During Pregnancy
Bleeding and cramping require a proper diagnosis and medication. Getting an ultrasound, internal examination, or blood test to confirm the most probable causes is best. For mild bleeding and cramping, let’s find out home remedies to alleviate the symptoms below.
When bleeding, try the following
- Relax and take lots of rest
Overactivity that makes involves standing too much may worsen vaginal bleeding. Experts recommend taking ample rest as an effective method of reducing bleeding and discomfort.
- Abstain from sex
Sexual activities may tamper with an already soft, blood-rich cervix, causing more vaginal bleeding.
- Reduce traveling
Like standing, moving around too much might worsen bleeding. This is because you involve the pelvic and hip areas, which are delicate during this time.
- Take a bed rest
Taking time off work gives your body time to heal and re-energize. Ask your partner and close family to assist in chores around the house as you recover.
- Avoid Tampons and douching
It’s best to use panty liners to contain blood. While tampons absorb more blood, they may cause abrasion on your vaginal walls, leading to worse bleeding.
- Don’t take rigorous exercises and avoid heavy lifting
High-intensity exercises are dangerous when experiencing vaginal bleeding. Physical activities and heavy lifting may put you at risk of miscarrying.
- Monitor bleeding
Before panicking, monitor the blood loss for around 2-3 days. If the blood soaks two pads within an hour and has thick, golf ball-sized clots, you’ll immediately require medical attention.
- Seek help
Don’t stay home if you feel the bleeding is escalating. Most such cases are indeed harmless, but always strive to be safe.
Remedies for cramping
- Choose the most comfortable position
You may sit down or lie on your side and keep changing positions. Don’t stay in one place for a long time to avoid discomfort.
- Try mild relaxation exercises
Staying calm improves physical pain significantly. Yoga and other meditation exercises really help.
- Hot water therapy
Wrapping a bottle containing water with a towel and placing it on the cramping area soothes pain and discomfort.
- Take lots of fluids
Take eight glasses of water daily and sip fresh fruit juices throughout the day. This aids in digestion hence preventing bloating and constipation.
- Take a warm bath
This relaxes your muscles, body, and mind.
When To See A Doctor About Bleeding And Cramping During Pregnancy
Consult the doctor immediately if you note the following signs accompanying bleeding and cramping:
- Severe, prolonged pain in the abdomen and shoulders
- Fever or chills
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Smelly vaginal discharge
- Increased blood flow
- Sizeable blood clots
Wrapping Up
Let’s summarize the key points about cramping and bleeding during pregnancy.
Bleeding or spotting is normal among pregnant women. If clots, pain, and dizziness accompany bleeding, it may point to a possible miscarriage.
The leading causes of bleeding and cramping include implantation, vaginal infections, miscarriage, constipation, and expanding uterus.
It’s best to do an ultrasound, blood test, or internal examination to verify the main cause of bleeding or cramps.
Avoiding rigorous activities, minimizing sexual activities, drinking fluids, and relaxing are ways to alleviate bleeding/cramps.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about bleeding and cramping.
More to Read
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- Why Is My Pregnant Belly Soft When I Lay Down – What You Should Know
- Why Does My Pregnant Belly Look Smaller Some Days?
- Can You Crack Your Back While Pregnant – Is It Safe?
- Pregnant and Scared of Life Changing – Guide to Overcome
