By Joseph Chinalu Osagu
Most mums do not know they are pregnant until 4 to 6 weeks into the pregnancy. This makes the first trimester the shortest in terms of knowledge and preparation. This period comes along with the initial excitement/ fear, followed by dread/ anticipation, then relief or worry back again to the excitement and in some cases disappointment.
Most moms are concerned with what to be done to avoid miscarriage or bleeding. The annoying truth is that there is not much that can be done to control what happens in the body during the first trimester. The only option left for mums is to follow the standard rules of healthy living.
Bleeding in first trimester is not uncommon; 3 of every 10 pregnant women bleed during this period. This bleeding does not always result into miscarriage; only 1 in every 3 who bleed end up as miscarriage. In most cases, most women experience miscarriage before they even realise that they are pregnant in this trimester. The cause of such bleeding includes hormone changes, cervical irritation and implantation.
The first medical approach is for a doctor or midwife to test the blood to determine if the bleeding is normal or not. Most of the time, women have to wait, hoping for the best while bracing themselves for the worst. It is standard procedure for the doctor/midwives to ask her not to worry, many claim that it is normal.
Although, this might be true, we would all agree that irrespective of what the doctor says, bleeding in first trimester is a scary experience. Sometimes, this bleeding leads to a miscarriage; but more often, the bleeding stops within a few days or weeks and there is indeed no cause for worry.
There is no use worrying as it does not change the situation. If it is going to be a miscarriage, there's simply nothing that can be done about it. It is natural to worry; after all, that is what parents do. Do not hold the emotion, go ahead and worry but do not allow it to rule your life. Take time to think about it, share it with family and friends, and allow them to comfort you.
The bleeding might only be a breakthrough bleeding. This is when the pregnancy hormones are acting up over the usual cycle hormone. Though this is uncommon, some women experience breakdown bleeding during their normal menstrual cycle during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Another common cause of bleeding is due to implantation. During the period of implantation of the fertilized egg and the development of the placenta, light bleeding can occur for one to two days. The implantation takes place when the menstruation is due; hence, it is sometimes difficult to tell if the bleeding is actually due to implantation or breakthrough bleeding.
Bleeding can also be as a result of vaginal infection. There could be a softening of the cervix (cervical erosion) which in turn leads to bleeding. It is difficult to determine which of these three reasons that has led to the bleeding; hence, it is advisable to see a midwife or a doctor as soon as possible.
Bleeding in first trimester could be a sign that the fertilized embryo has been implanted in the uterus or could be signs of miscarriage. If the bleeding is significant, there is a sharp pain or cramp in the abdomen, it is probably normal. Ectopic pregnancy could also lead to bleeding. Here, the embryo is planted in the fallopian tube rather than the womb. This is dangerous and could lead to the loss of life if not attended to promptly.
It is always best to make an appointment with the doctor or midwife immediately you realise that you are pregnant. In the first trimester, you are required to be examined at least once in a month. If there are bleedings or cramps, your visit will change to daily or weekly based on your condition.
It is natural to be concerned when bleeding in first trimester occurs. The appropriate step to take in such a situation is to call your midwife/ doctor. He/ She will check the situation and proffer the best medical solution.
Most moms are concerned with what to be done to avoid miscarriage or bleeding. The annoying truth is that there is not much that can be done to control what happens in the body during the first trimester. The only option left for mums is to follow the standard rules of healthy living.
Bleeding in first trimester is not uncommon; 3 of every 10 pregnant women bleed during this period. This bleeding does not always result into miscarriage; only 1 in every 3 who bleed end up as miscarriage. In most cases, most women experience miscarriage before they even realise that they are pregnant in this trimester. The cause of such bleeding includes hormone changes, cervical irritation and implantation.
The first medical approach is for a doctor or midwife to test the blood to determine if the bleeding is normal or not. Most of the time, women have to wait, hoping for the best while bracing themselves for the worst. It is standard procedure for the doctor/midwives to ask her not to worry, many claim that it is normal.
Although, this might be true, we would all agree that irrespective of what the doctor says, bleeding in first trimester is a scary experience. Sometimes, this bleeding leads to a miscarriage; but more often, the bleeding stops within a few days or weeks and there is indeed no cause for worry.
There is no use worrying as it does not change the situation. If it is going to be a miscarriage, there's simply nothing that can be done about it. It is natural to worry; after all, that is what parents do. Do not hold the emotion, go ahead and worry but do not allow it to rule your life. Take time to think about it, share it with family and friends, and allow them to comfort you.
The bleeding might only be a breakthrough bleeding. This is when the pregnancy hormones are acting up over the usual cycle hormone. Though this is uncommon, some women experience breakdown bleeding during their normal menstrual cycle during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Another common cause of bleeding is due to implantation. During the period of implantation of the fertilized egg and the development of the placenta, light bleeding can occur for one to two days. The implantation takes place when the menstruation is due; hence, it is sometimes difficult to tell if the bleeding is actually due to implantation or breakthrough bleeding.
Bleeding can also be as a result of vaginal infection. There could be a softening of the cervix (cervical erosion) which in turn leads to bleeding. It is difficult to determine which of these three reasons that has led to the bleeding; hence, it is advisable to see a midwife or a doctor as soon as possible.
Bleeding in first trimester could be a sign that the fertilized embryo has been implanted in the uterus or could be signs of miscarriage. If the bleeding is significant, there is a sharp pain or cramp in the abdomen, it is probably normal. Ectopic pregnancy could also lead to bleeding. Here, the embryo is planted in the fallopian tube rather than the womb. This is dangerous and could lead to the loss of life if not attended to promptly.
It is always best to make an appointment with the doctor or midwife immediately you realise that you are pregnant. In the first trimester, you are required to be examined at least once in a month. If there are bleedings or cramps, your visit will change to daily or weekly based on your condition.
It is natural to be concerned when bleeding in first trimester occurs. The appropriate step to take in such a situation is to call your midwife/ doctor. He/ She will check the situation and proffer the best medical solution.
Osagu, Joseph Chinalu is a freelance writer. He resides in Nigeria and writes on a variety of subjects.
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