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Threatened Miscarriage
Most bleeding occurs during the first trimester, and this bloody
vaginal discharge may be termed 'a threatened miscarriage'. Often
referred to as 'implantation bleeding' - slight blood loss may occur
when the embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall, seven to ten
days after conception. If bleeding ceases after one day and there
are no uterine cramps present, your chances of a healthy pregnancy
are good. However it is not normal to bleed during pregnancy, and
signs should be viewed with concern and not taken lightly.
A few possible reasons for vaginal bleeding may be:
Cervical erosion
Small pieces of the placenta may have separated from the wall of the
uterus
There may have been a partially suppressed period, which happens
when the body fails to make sufficient pregnancy hormone to stop the
period completely.
Polyps may be present.
You may have an infection, such as cystitis, which causes bleeding
from the urethra.
Diagnosing a threatened miscarriage
Your doctor may perform an internal examination in order to
distinguish between a threatened and an actual miscarriage. In the
case of a threatened miscarriage, the uterus will be the appropriate
size according to the length of gestation, if an actual miscarriage
has occurred, the amniotic sac and placental tissue may only have
been partially expelled, which is commonly known as an incomplete
abortion, or they may have been completely expelled and the uterus
will be smaller. If a threatened miscarriage is diagnosed, you will
be referred for an ultrasound scan to assess the health and
development of the fetus.
Treatment
In most cases, the pregnancy will proceed as per normal, but there
are times when a threatened miscarriage progresses to an actual
miscarriage. Therefore it is difficult to prove that one particular
measure will reduce the likelihood of you becoming prey to this
traumatic event. However, it is highly recommended that you rest as
much as possible and refrain from sexual intercourse, where the
contracting of the uterus during orgasm may be sufficient to
precipitate miscarriage, if the pregnancy is already in danger.
Your doctor may in severe cases, also suggest certain drug and
hormone treatments, but the main worry here is it having an adverse
affect on the fetus.
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