Should You Worry?

During early pregnancy, your cervix changes in order to accommodate your new baby. Your body will provide increased blood flow to your cervix, and sometimes this can result in light bleeding. If your cervix is inflamed slightly during intercourse or a pelvic exam, spotting or bleeding may occur. Again, this is normal and does not necessarily mean that your baby is in any trouble. If your bleeding is abnormally heavy or lingers for more than a few days, visit with your doctor to determine the cause.

Bleeding in the first trimester can sometimes be a signal that there is a problem with your baby. 15% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriages. Miscarriages most commonly occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding or spotting could be symptoms of a miscarriage, especially if they are associated with cramping, fever, or chills. If you think you are having a miscarriage, or are unsure why you are bleeding, contact your doctor or midwife. Your health care provider will be able to perform a pelvic exam to determine your baby's situation.

Sometimes bleeding during early pregnancy can signal a more serious problem with your baby. Ectopic pregnancies occur in 1 out of every 60 pregnancies, and can be life-threatening to both mom and baby. Serious internal bleeding can occur with ectopic pregnancies, so if you are experiencing heavy bleeding go to the hospit