Bleeding during the first month of pregnancy can be frightening but is not always a sign of a miscarriage, according to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus. However, any hopeful mom should take bleeding seriously, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy; most involuntary pregnancy endings like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy occur early in the pregnancy.

Warnings

Some early pregnancy bleeding is life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have fever or chills, you could be suffering from a partial miscarriage and are at risk of a life-threatening infection. If you notice foul-smelling vaginal discharge along with your bleeding, you may already have an infection.

If you had a miscarriage, your doctor will check to make sure all tissue was passed from your body; sometimes tissue remains in the uterus. Sometimes the remaining tissue must be removed through injections of drugs or surgery.

Typical Causes and Identification

Bleeding during the first month of pregnancy usually means the fetus has implanted itself into your womb, according to MedlinePlus. However, clot-like bleeding or blood accompanied by severe pain or weakness during this time of your pregnancy can mean a miscarriage; most women who miscarry do so during the first seven weeks of pregnancy.

Other Potentially Serious Causes of Bleeding

Bleeding early in pregnancy can also indicate a tubal pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have a tubal or ectopic pregnancy, it unfortunately cannot be converted to a traditional pregnancy; the fetus has rested in your fallopian tube and can ruin your fertility or even end your life if not promptly treated with surgery or injections of medication. Severe pain usually distinguishes ectopic pregnancy bleeding from ordinary pregnancy bleeding. Cervical cancer can also cause early pregnancy bleeding.

Prevention/Solution

Reducing your risk of bleeding during the first month of pregnancy is not always possible, according to MedlinePlus. However, moms who don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, take care of medical conditions such as diabetes and take prenatal vitamins usually have easier pregnancies and a markedly decreased risk of serious bleeding and other side effects.

Time Frame

If your bleeding lasts more than a day, then you need prompt medical attention, even if the bleeding is not heavy or accompanied by weakness and pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. You should also mention any light bleeding that goes away at your next medical appointment.

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