How to stop bleeding during pregnancy second trimester

Although vaginal bleeding can signal miscarriage, this is not usually the case after the first trimester. Bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy is more likely related to vaginal or cervical inflammation, which is treatable and poses no risk.

However, any vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy deserves medical attention. If you experience light bleeding that goes away within a few hours, you should call your doctor the same day. If bleeding lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills or contractions, contact your health care provider immediately.

In addition to inflammation, unexplained bleeding can signal a risk for preterm birth or, less commonly, a problem with the placenta.

If bleeding occurs close to your due date, you may be going into labor a few days earlier than you expected. A normal sign of impending labor during the final weeks of pregnancy is the bloody show. This is a thick or stringy discharge that can be tinged with blood. In addition, you may feel pelvic or lower abdominal pressure, low dull backache, stomach cramps and uterine tightening. This is normal and is not a problem if it occurs within three weeks of your due date.

If it occurs sooner than that, it may be a sign of preterm labor, and you should contact your health care provider immediately. About 10 percent of births are considered preterm.

Another cause of light bleeding may be an inflamed cervix or growths on the cervix, which can be treated with medication. Sometimes sex causes the cervix to bleed. This slight bleeding usually stops on its own.

Heavy bleeding may signal a problem with the placenta, either placental abruption or placenta previa.

Placental abruption is when the placenta—the organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow your baby to receive nutrients—detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor. This occurs during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy and causes vaginal bleeding and stomach pain. If the placenta detaches, the baby gets less oxygen, so quick action is needed. Placental abruption only occurs in 1 percent of pregnancies, so consider talking to your health care provider to determine if you have any risk factors.

Placenta previa is when the placenta lies low in the uterus and either partially or completely covers the cervix. The main symptom is heavy bleeding, often without pain. This condition requires immediate care from a health care professional.

Vaginal bleeding may occur without any associated pain, so if you experience any bleeding in the latter half of your pregnancy, don't hesitate to call your health care professional.

Some pain and a small amount of spotting are normal during the second trimester. However, it is essential to know when to see a doctor.

For many people, the second trimester marks a moment of calm in pregnancy. The intense symptoms of the first trimester often dissipate, and the exhaustion, muscle pain, and anxiety about birth that are common during the third trimester may not have appeared.

Small amounts of bleeding during the second trimester are typical and may not signal a problem, though it is important to get checked if something feels wrong. In this article, we look at the possible causes and when to see a doctor.

Bleeding is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, affecting 15 to 25 percent of pregnant women.

Bleeding in the second trimester is less usual, with heavier bleeding being a more serious sign than light bleeding. Causes can range from mild inflammation to problems with the placenta or cervix.

Bleeding does not usually mean a woman is going into labor or having a miscarriage.

Women who experience mild bleeding, spotting, or unusual discharge should contact their healthcare providers. When bleeding is heavy or painful, it is a medical emergency.

Possible causes of bleeding in the second trimester include:

Minor cervical irritation

Light spotting does not usually mean that there is a serious problem with the pregnancy, especially if the spotting goes away on its own within a day or two.

During pregnancy, the blood vessels in the cervix may become inflamed, especially when the weight of the uterus puts pressure on them. Some women can experience light bleeding after a pelvic exam or sex.

Cervical growths

Cervical polyps are benign, or non-cancerous, growths on the cervix. They are common and rarely cause any problems.

During pregnancy, cervical polyps may swell or become irritated, causing them to bleed. A doctor can often carry out a quick exam to identify whether a cervical growth is a reason for a person’s bleeding

Placenta issues

The placenta is an organ that nourishes and protects the developing baby. Problems with this organ are a leading cause of bleeding during birth.

Anyone who suspects problems with the placenta must seek immediate treatment, as issues with the placenta can injure the baby and cause dangerous bleeding in the pregnant woman.

Some placenta issues that may cause bleeding in the second trimester include:

  • Placenta previa: This is when the placenta is very low in the uterus. It may fully or partially cover the cervix, causing bleeding throughout pregnancy. In severe cases, doctors may recommend extra monitoring or a cesarean delivery.
  • Placenta accreta: Placenta accreta causes the placenta to grow much deeper into the uterus than usual. It is more likely to cause bleeding during the third trimester than the second, however. During delivery, the bleeding may become life-threatening, so healthcare professionals will monitor the pregnancy carefully, often in a setting with emergency medical care, which may be critical to the mother’s safety.
  • Placenta abruption: Sometimes the placenta detaches from the uterus too early. It can cause bleeding, back pain, and intense stomach cramps. Early diagnosis can prevent severe complications to the woman and the baby.

Preterm labor

Bleeding can be an early sign of labor. Some women may also notice an unusual discharge, called a mucous plug. A mucous plug looks like a combination of vaginal discharge, mucous, and blood.

When labor begins before 37 weeks, it is more likely that the baby will need to stay in the intensive care unit and may also experience other problems. During the second trimester, preterm labor endangers the baby’s life.

Bleeding can be a risk factor for preterm labor. Women who have a history of bleeding during the second trimester can talk to their doctors about whether they are at risk of preterm labor and how best to minimize that risk.

Vasa previa

Vasa previa is a problem with the baby’s blood vessels. It causes some of the baby’s blood vessels to run parallel to the cervix, left unprotected by the umbilical cord or placenta. These blood vessels may cause unusual bleeding, especially late in pregnancy or during preterm labor.

When the membranes burst, these vessels may also burst. Women with vasa previa usually have a cesarean delivery. A woman with a history of preterm labor or bleeding who has contractions or other intense pain should go to the emergency room.

Uterine rupture

Uterine rupture happens when the uterus tears. This can endanger the mother and the baby by causing severe bleeding and depriving the baby of oxygen. It can also trigger labor.

A woman who experiences bleeding, pain, a fever, or who has recently suffered an injury to the stomach or uterus may be experiencing a uterine rupture and should go to the emergency room.

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare diseases that causes abnormal cells to grow in the uterus during and after pregnancy. These cells can form tumors and masses. Sometimes these masses turn cancerous, though most forms of GTD are benign.

Women with GTD may have bleeding and an unusually large uterus.

Treatment depends on the type of GTD, how large the growth is, and other factors. A surgeon may need to remove the mass during or after pregnancy.

Not all bleeding during the second trimester is an emergency. In many cases, the woman and the baby are fine.

Nevertheless, it is important to be cautious. Prompt intervention in emergencies can save the life of both the woman and the baby. Anyone who is uncertain should go to the emergency room.

Some symptoms that warrant emergency treatment include:

  • bleeding after an injury, such as a car accident or fall
  • sudden heavy bleeding
  • bleeding that is getting progressively heavier
  • bleeding that includes blood clots
  • bleeding along with pain or contractions
  • dizziness or weakness along with bleeding
  • bleeding in a person with placenta accreta, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labor

Tell a doctor about any bleeding episodes to ensure a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Anyone who is uncertain about their bleeding should call right away.

Bleeding during the second trimester can be worrying. However, even when the bleeding is due to a serious complication, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Prompt medical care can prevent complications and save lives, so always talk to a provider about any bleeding, even if it seems minor.

What causes bleeding in 2nd trimester?

Light bleeding or spotting (which can be brown, pink, or red) during the second and third trimester isn't usually cause for concern. It typically occurs as a result of interference with the cervix during sex or a vaginal exam. Pink mucus or brownish discharge may both occur during the second trimester.

What happens if you bleed in second trimester?

Bleeding in the second trimester is less usual, with heavier bleeding being a more serious sign than light bleeding. Causes can range from mild inflammation to problems with the placenta or cervix. Bleeding does not usually mean a woman is going into labor or having a miscarriage.

What can a pregnant woman take to stop bleeding?

There is no way to stop bleeding during pregnancy, so you should rest and contact your healthcare provider. Rest and relax, do not undertake heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, and abstain from sex, tampon use, or douching. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid against dehydration.

Can bed rest stop bleeding during pregnancy?

Work, activity, lifting, or exercise may worsen or provoke certain situations, so bed rest may be prescribed to reduce vaginal bleeding or decrease the chance of premature labor. Bed rest may also be necessary to help increase blood flow to the placenta.