Bloody discharge during pregnancy and after childbirth

Causes of bleeding before childbirth

Bleeding in late pregnancy is most likely due to a problem with the placenta, but can also be due to lesions in the vagina or cervix. Some of the most common reasons:

Placenta previa. Placenta previa refers to a pathological condition, a complication of pregnancy, in which the placenta is located on the cervix, which is the outlet of the uterus. This can interfere with labor because it completely or partially blocks the cervix, preventing the baby from being born naturally. In the last weeks of pregnancy, as the cervix gradually softens and dilates to prepare for the birth of the baby, the placenta may detach, causing bleeding. Placenta previa is responsible for one fifth of all late bleeding during pregnancy.
Vasa Previa (vasa previa). In this condition, the blood vessels of the fetus are located in close connection with the tissue of the cervix. As the cervix dilates to prepare for labor, these vessels can rupture, causing bleeding.
Placental abruption. In some cases, the placenta may detach from the wall of the uterus, which can lead to serious bleeding and fetal death. This occurs in about 2% of pregnancies, but can cause premature labor due to immediate caesarean section.
Vaginal infection. Hormonal changes and decreased immunity increase the risk of contracting infections such as thrush, herpes, vaginosis and chlamydia. This can cause inflammation in the vagina, leading to bleeding.
Ectopic cervix. This condition is not a cause for concern as it does not cause long-term damage. These are simply changes in the cervical area that increase the likelihood of bleeding due to activities such as intense exercise or sex.
Uterine rupture. It is extremely rare that the uterus can rupture along the scar, causing dangerous complications. Because of their severity, this condition can be fatal for mother and baby. Risk factors associated with uterine rupture include previous uterine surgery, such as a cesarean section.
Premature birth. Bleeding in the 9th month of pregnancy may be associated with early labor, which can occur due to overstretching and dilation of the cervix. The woman may also notice mucous discharge or water breaking, indicating that the baby is ready to be born.

What types of discharge are there?

There are two types of discharge before childbirth:

Removal of the mucus plug;
Rush of amniotic fluid.

Removal of the mucus plug The mucus plug forms in the cervical canal under the influence of pregnancy hormones at the very beginning. It closes the canal, protecting the uterus and fetus from the possible penetration of various infections. Towards the end of pregnancy, the reverse process begins, under the influence of other hormones, the mucus thins, the cervix softens, the uterus begins to contract slightly, pushing it out. Separation of the mucus plug occurs at different time intervals. It can be released instantly, then the woman discovers a lump of transparent, white or gray-yellow mucus on her underwear, or its discharge can continue for 1-3 days, then it will resemble a “spotting” discharge.

information These discharges are considered completely natural and indicate that the moment of labor is approaching. The mucus plug can come off either the day before labor or several weeks before it begins.

The mucus discharge may contain streaks of scarlet blood, but this should not frighten you, since they are formed due to the rupture of small capillaries in the cervix. However, it is necessary to pay attention that there should be very little blood. If the blood volume is greater than acceptable, or spotting begins after the plug comes out, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may indicate that premature placental abruption has begun.

Rush of amniotic fluid Throughout pregnancy in the womb, the baby was protected from external factors under the thick muscular layer of the uterus and amniotic fluid. Before birth, the amniotic sac ruptures and water leaks out. The rupture of amniotic fluid occurs immediately before the onset of labor or during the dilation of the cervix. Depending on how and where the amniotic sac burst, how low the baby has descended to the entrance to the pelvis, water may gush out in a stream or leak drop by drop.

additionally Normally, amniotic fluid is clear, odorless or has a weak characteristic sweetish odor, and may contain whitish flakes of mucus. Sometimes the mucus plug comes off simultaneously with the water.

Usually, after the rupture of amniotic fluid, labor soon develops. Therefore, you shouldn’t stay at home, it’s better to go to the maternity hospital! It happens that the waters have a yellow-green or brown tint - this may be a sign of infection of the amniotic fluid or indicate that fetal hypoxia has occurred, as a result of which meconium (original feces) has entered the waters.

Dangerous symptoms of bleeding before childbirth

Dangerous bleeding before labor is associated with several symptoms that require medical attention. First of all, it is important to pay attention to:

Severe pain in the abdomen, lower abdomen, or back;
Scarlet or dark bloody discharge from the vagina;
Fatigue and dizziness;
High temperature, nausea, pallor;
Impaired consciousness.

When is bloody discharge safe?

So, we have found out that the release of the protective mucus plug is a physiologically normal phenomenon that is not fraught with danger.

Also, you should not be alarmed if you notice bloody discharge after a visit to the doctor, where you were examined in a gynecological chair. And such discharge may not appear immediately, but after some time.

Bloody discharge may appear before childbirth and in connection with a woman having sexual intercourse, and also after a day or two. In the last two described cases, the cause of such discharge is a mechanical effect on the uterus, which is prepared for labor, that is, for opening.

How is diagnosis carried out?

There are two main methods for diagnosing the causes of bleeding before childbirth. These include:

Medical history. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history and pregnancy, noting any past infections, congenital disorders such as hemophilia, and tobacco use. He may also ask questions about any symptoms the woman may be experiencing, as well as their severity and frequency. Another thing you will need to provide is information about previous pregnancies, miscarriages, placenta previa, placental abruptions, abortions, or cesarean sections.
Examination of a woman. The first thing your doctor will do is check your blood pressure. The cervix and vagina will then be examined for any tenderness or injury, including qualitative and quantitative measurements of pelvic pain. A microbiological test of your vaginal secretions will be performed to rule out the possibility of any infections. An immediate ultrasound examination will also be ordered to check the condition of the placenta to determine whether it is previa or abruption. Finally, the doctor will check how dilated the cervix is, assessing its readiness for childbirth.

Mucus discharge

The mucus released before childbirth can be thick, viscous, transparent or white with a slight tint. You can take a small amount of mucus with two fingers; when you separate them, its consistency (strength, viscosity) will be clearly visible.

Mucous discharge before childbirth indicates the ripening of the cervix. They are most noticeable after waking up, when a woman moves from a horizontal to a vertical position. After some time, the discharge begins to darken and turn brown - this means that there are several hours left before the birth of the baby.

Treatment of bleeding before childbirth

Bleeding in late pregnancy may require 24-hour monitoring to rule out anemia and fetal stress. A blood transfusion may be required if severe and persistent blood loss occurs. Although vaginal delivery is the preferred method, in this situation the doctor will insist on a caesarean section due to the reduced likelihood of bleeding due to uterine rupture. If a woman has not reached the 36th week of pregnancy, she may need to give birth prematurely. In this case, the doctor will prescribe steroid medications to speed up the development of the baby's lungs so that he can breathe fully outside the womb.

The doctor will ask the woman to remain on bed rest until the birth. Douching, using tampons, and having sex are not recommended if you are still bleeding. If symptoms do not disappear within a few days after treatment, recurrent bleeding and abdominal pain develop, the issue of emergency childbirth will most likely be considered.

Why does a pregnant cat bleed before giving birth?

Cat pregnancy is always a difficult and exciting event for both the owner and the pet itself. This is due to a fairly long period of waiting and being in the dark. Therefore, any deviation and if something goes wrong becomes a difficult test.

For example, if a pregnant cat is bleeding, this is a cause for serious concern. After all, the reasons may be different and not the most pleasant. Features of various discharges and their consequences are further in the article.

On average, a cat's pregnancy lasts about 9 weeks. They are often divided into 3 main stages. This:

up to 3 weeks – early stage;
up to 6 weeks – period of fetal development;
up to 9 weeks - prenatal stage.

The most difficult are the first and last periods. At the equator of term, a pregnant cat mainly satisfies its physiological needs, conserving energy. At this moment, the kittens are just growing, starting to move and show signs of life. Of course, during this period, discharge from a pregnant cat cannot be considered normal. But they may be allowed in a number of situations.

If your pet begins to bleed at a large volume, and the due date is not soon, then you should immediately seek help from specialists. Delay in this case is extremely dangerous, because you can lose both the fetus and the cat itself.

In order to prevent or reduce the risk of bleeding, you must adhere to the following rules:

pay close attention to pregnancy planning, consult with a specialist, get the necessary vaccinations, take a course of vitamins;
try to avoid temperature changes and not expose the animal to strong drafts;
do not injure the pet, especially the abdominal area;
observe the behavior of the animal; any deviations from the norm should alert you;
Be careful and careful about your cat's health.

It is recommended to take proper care of the cat throughout pregnancy.
Blood discharge can be different, in one case this is a variant of the norm and there is no need to worry about your pet’s condition, in another case it is a harbinger of serious problems with the cat’s health. In any case, you need to take a close look at the cat, its well-being and mood. Something alarming? Let's go to the vet!

Prevention of bleeding before childbirth

The risk of bleeding before childbirth can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding bad habits, as they increase the risk of developing placenta previa. It is important to control blood pressure, monitor body weight, and avoid salty foods, as this can lead to placental abruption. It is important to take care of yourself by preventing injuries and falls, as these can lead to placental abruption or uterine rupture along the scar.

Bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy and before giving birth can have complications, so don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician, medical columnist

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