In general, pregnant patients find it alarming when they spot or bleed during pregnancy. Yet spotting is quite common in the first trimester and doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. Almost 30 percent of pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding in the first twelve weeks; most go on to deliver healthy babies.
Still, we want you to inform us if you notice any bleeding. This is particularly true in the second or third trimesters, when bleeding is more likely to signal a serious pregnancy complication.
When you call or visit, it will help us to know the details. Wear a sanitary pad so you can describe how much you are bleeding and what type of bleeding you are experiencing (eg, pink, brown, or red; smooth or full of clots).
Remember: Don’t use a tampon or have sex if you are spotting or bleeding.
Below, we’ve listed Mayo Clinic recommendations for informing your obstetrician about vaginal bleeding; please know, however, that you can call South Lake Ob Gyn whenever you have a question or concern about bleeding, no matter how light or brief in duration it may be.
First trimester
During the first trimester (weeks one through 12):
- Tell your health care provider at your next prenatal visit if you have spotting or light vaginal bleeding that goes away within a day.
- Contact your health care provider within 24 hours if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a day.
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding, pass tissue from your vagina, or experience any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever or chills.
Second trimester
During the second trimester (weeks 13 through 24):
- Contact your health care provider the same day if you have light vaginal bleeding that goes away within a few hours.
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours.
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills or contractions.
Third trimester
During the third trimester (weeks 25 through 40):
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding before 37 weeks.
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, remember that a bloody show — a thick or stringy discharge that may be tinged with blood — is a normal sign of impending labor.