Is the appearance of spotting in the expectant mother a reason to see a doctor or is it normal for early pregnancy? Understanding. Tatyana Vladimirovna Grigorieva, obstetrician-gynecologist at SM-Clinic (@smclinic), told the readers of Letidora about what the menstrual cycle is like, as well as about menstruation during pregnancy. Can menstruation guarantee that pregnancy has not occurred? First, let's remember what the menstrual cycle is. This is the alternation of the menstruation itself (lasts 3-7 days), the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. During menstruation, the mucous membranes of the uterus are rejected. The process is accompanied by bleeding (this happens at the end of the ovulatory cycle). If there was no ovulation, then the bleeding is called menstrual. It is extremely rare for two eggs to ripen in one cycle (but this happens!): One is fertilized, and the second is rejected by the body and causes the onset of menstruation. Normally, there can be no menstruation during pregnancy. However, do we always understand the nature of vaginal bleeding without medical diagnosis? If, during the alleged menstruation, a woman noticed spotting, but their nature is different from the usual menstruation (the discharge is scanty, ends quickly, has a brown or bright scarlet color) and you remember that unprotected intercourse took place - this is a reason to do pregnancy test and see a doctor. What menstruation can talk about during pregnancy After the fertilization of the egg and the onset of pregnancy, menstruation does not occur throughout the entire process of gestation. It should be remembered that the appearance of any bleeding from the vagina with a confirmed pregnancy (positive urine pregnancy test, ultrasound data, hCG indicators) indicates possible pathologies. For example, when there is a threat of miscarriage and termination of pregnancy (started spontaneous abortion), placenta previa (low, marginal, complete). Lean spotting during the first days of pregnancy can be nothing more than implantation bleeding. The implantation of a fertilized egg (blastocyst) into the endometrium occurs 7-10 days after conception, that is, in fact, approximately on the days when menstruation should come in case of late ovulation. The introduction of the blastocyst is accompanied by the destruction of capillaries, and, therefore, a small amount of blood is released. But, unlike true menstrual bleeding, implantation does not last long: in most cases, a day, or even less. What is the effect of progesterone on the mucous membranes of the uterus Progesterone - the most important hormone throughout pregnancy. He participates in the preparation of the endometrium for the implantation of a fertilized egg, fetal development, and prevents premature birth. The reason for the occurrence of bleeding from the vagina, including on days in which menstruation was previously observed in a woman, may be a lack of this hormone. Hormonal bleeding left unattended can lead to spontaneous abortion. However, in most cases, with timely treatment, it is possible to remove the deficit state and minimize the risks. Could the appearance of bloody discharge indicate an ectopic pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg deviates from its intended path and attaches in the wrong place - outside the uterine cavity. The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract is not uncommon with an ectopic pregnancy. Unlike menstrual bleeding, they are thicker and darker in color. It should be remembered that early signs of ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy are very similar to signs of normal pregnancy (delayed menstruation, breast swelling, positive urine pregnancy test). Any suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy is an indication for emergency hospitalization, as this is a life-threatening condition. When there are still menstrual discharge and what they mean In most other cases, bleeding during early pregnancy (in the first trimester) is an alarming symptom. For example, it may indicate that the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus and overlaps its internal pharynx (this can be interpreted as a threat of termination of pregnancy). In the second and third trimester, the appearance of bloody discharge may indicate a ruptured uterus (for example, it can occur if there is a scar on the uterus after a previous birth), premature detachment of a normally located placenta, and other problems. Bleeding during pregnancy is a sure sign for the expectant mother that an urgent need to see a doctor. It is important to remember that periods during pregnancy are not normal. In case of any bloody discharge, in this case, the help of a specialist is needed. As often happens during pregnancy, 15–20% of pregnancies end in spontaneous termination in the early stages. However, it is important to understand that although bloody discharge from the vagina against the background of a live intrauterine pregnancy is designated by doctors as a "threat of miscarriage", but in a large number of cases, despite a formidable diagnosis, such a pregnancy is successfully carried on. If interruption does occur, in most cases (overwhelmingly) we are talking about genetic abnormalities of the fetus, incompatible with life. Other reasons include early infectious diseases, hormonal disruptions, physical overload, and so on. Do I need to see a doctor if the appearance of bloody discharge during pregnancy is noted only after intercourse The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract after intercourse may indicate erosion of the cervix, the presence of polyps of the cervical canal. Allocations in this case are usually scanty and pass quickly. However, only a doctor can find out if this is so or if there is a threat of miscarriage. And before the diagnosis is made, the couple is advised to maintain sexual rest. The fact is that with intimate caresses in a woman's body, oxytocin is released - a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. Photo: Depositphotos; freepik.com About education without boring - "Letidor" is now on TikTok! Subscribe!
