What Kind of Bleeding During Pregnancy Is Normal?

After an egg is fertilized, generally during the middle of a woman's cycle, it travels down the fallopian tubes and implants into the lining of the uterine wall. Sometimes, this implantation can cause light bleeding. Since this occurs before many women even take a pregnancy test, they may not be aware they are even pregnant.

After conception occurs, the mother's cervix closes tightly. Sometimes this closing can cause the cervix to squeeze out blood that was left from the last menstrual period. This can cause spotting of what appears to be old, brown blood.

The changes the cervix undergoes during pregnancy can occasionally cause bleeding. Pregnancy sends more blood flow to the cervix, causing it to swell slightly. Due to the enlarged size, it is sometimes injured as a result of sexual activity or after a pelvic exam, causing spotting or bleeding.

Sometimes bleeding occurs that has nothing to do with the pregnancy. A woman can have tears or injury to the vaginal wall that can cause spotting. Sometimes vaginal bleeding can be caused from varicose veins or ruptured polyps.

If the bleeding is during the early stages of pregnancy, until your doctor exams you there are several things you should do. Rest, either sitting or laying down, and avoid exercise, sex and lifting heavy objects. Do not use tampons or douches, and drink plenty of water. Keep a count of the number of sanitary pads used, how heavy the bleeding is and whether it increases or decreases.