Blood discharge may appear towards the end of the gestation period. This is an uncommon symptom that most often indicates the presence of some health problems. Bloody discharge in the third trimester will be the result of a low location of the placenta, discharge of the cork, or erosion of the cervix.
Blood discharge is very different from bleeding. Blood discharge is not intense, short-term, and not abundant. A woman notices blood stains on her underwear or panty liners.
When Does Bloody Discharge Start in Pregnancy?
Minor discharge of blood may appear at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy. They begin if a woman spent the day very actively, lifted heavy things, overtired, or experienced severe stress. These factors increase symptoms. It is better to consult a doctor if the symptoms of bloody discharge appear earlier (after the 20th week).
EXACT WEEKS IT MAY HAPPENÂ
Bloody discharge is acceptable from the 37th week of pregnancy. They may appear in the 39th or 40th week. This is a natural sign of the onset of labor. Sometimes childbirth occurs a few days or even hours after the first bleeding. The appearance of discharge before the 36th week may indicate preterm labor.
When will it end?
Bloody discharge is not menstruation. They won’t go all the time. They occur in episodes, mainly after a heavy load, and disappear during the day. The discharge normally stops after the 37th week. They are followed by the long-awaited birth. If the onset of labor does not occur, then the symptoms may recur at the 39th week and disappear after it.
How Does it Feel?
Light aching pains in the lower abdomen may precede the discharge of blood. A woman feels increased moisture in the vagina and a desire to change clothes. There are blood stains on the underwear. Sometimes they are mixed with mucus. The symptom may manifest itself in a more acute and mild form.
Acute
Discharges in this form are sharp, spontaneous, and plentiful. It is not bleeding but it is accompanied by great wateriness. A woman may feel drops of fluid run down her inner thigh.
Mild
The symptom goes unnoticed to a mild degree. A woman discovers a few drops of blood or streaks when she goes to the toilet. There is no discomfort whatsoever.
Never confuse bleeding with spots! Bleeding requires immediate hospitalization.
Prevention methods
Take care of your health during the preparation stage to reduce the risk of bleeding during pregnancy. This requires regular visits to the gynecologist. A preventive examination should be carried out at least once every six months. This should be done more often if there are complaints. Early detected health problems are treated more effectively. Ways to prevent bleeding:
Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor
Do pelvic strengthening techniques. They will help maintain the tone and health of the internal genital organs. The essence of exercises is tension and relaxation of the pelvic muscles in combination with breathing tactics. Contract your pelvic floor muscles as you inhale and slowly relax as you exhale. This exercise should be done in a comfortable lotus position with calm music.
Timely treatment of cervical erosion
If this disease is detected, it is better to cure it before conception. The load on the cervix will be very high during the gestation period. The cervix in the first trimester will be softer and more vulnerable. There is a high risk of infections and the appearance of bloody discharge with reduced immunity at the end of pregnancy.
Safe sex
Always use contraception for sexual intercourse. They protect against the development of pathogenic microflora in the vagina and protect against viral and bacterial infections. It is worth using contraceptives during the gestation period. So the risk of bleeding and infection will be reduced to a minimum.
Why Bloody Discharge Occurs in Pregnancy?
Insignificant discharge of blood from the vagina in the third trimester is the limit of the norm. They appear as a result of the discharge of the mucous plug. Blood streaks may be shed along with the cervical mucus.
Reduced immunity and the development of pathogenic microflora of the vagina destroy its vascular wall. Blood discharge may appear with increased stress, examination on a gynecological chair, or a bowel movement.
Cervical erosion often develops during pregnancy. There is minor bleeding. They are most often observed after sexual intercourse or examination on a chair. There are several more serious causes of bleeding at the end of pregnancy: preeclampsia, placental abruption, and premature birth.
Remedies
There is no cause for concern if the bleeding is not plentiful. You can use simple hygiene products for acute symptoms. They will help a woman feel more confident. Do not forget that the use of pharmaceuticals must be agreed upon with the doctor. The main means of assistance:
Panty liners
Use thin panty liners made from natural absorbent materials. They must be hypoallergenic, free of fragrances and harmful components. Choose companies that provide individual packaging for each pad. Do not leave this hygiene product on your underwear for a long time. Change them as they get dirty and at least every 3 hours.
Rest more
You should try to stay at rest longer if you often observe bleeding in yourself at the end of pregnancy. Reduce physical activity, do not carry heavy loads, and do not be nervous. Crying and tension can provoke an increase in symptoms. Take a warm shower, drink mint tea, and lie down on your side.
Vaginal suppositories
Sometimes doctors may prescribe vaginal suppositories. They will help if the cause of bleeding is pathogenic microflora, weakness of the vascular wall of the vagina, or erosion of the cervix. It is necessary to use vaginal suppositories with caution and only as directed by a doctor. It is better to choose harmless components in the composition that promote healing and relieve inflammation.
WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR?
A serious reason for going to the doctor is the increased abundance of blood discharge. It is worth calling an ambulance if the discharge of blood is accompanied by a severe aching pain in the lower back and abdomen.
Seek immediate medical attention if the discharge of blood is associated with the appearance of large clots. Blood discharge should not normally be in the second trimester. Consult your doctor if they appear.
What Not to Do
There is no need to panic if the bleeding is insignificant and single. This sometimes happens in the last weeks of pregnancy. Do not forget about regular and enhanced vaginal hygiene during the period of bleeding. Blood is the best environment for the development of bacteria. The shower should be regular. What is prohibited when bleeding occurs at the end of pregnancy:
Sexual act
It is better to refrain from making love if bleeding occurs. Until the symptom subsides, sex can intensify it.
Tampons
Tampons are prohibited during the entire period of pregnancy. Their use is especially dangerous at the end of gestation. The tampon irritates the mucous membrane and stimulates the development of pathogenic microflora.
Hemostatic
The use of hemostatic drugs is appropriate only for severe bleeding. It is not necessary to use such drugs for bleeding. They stimulate blood clotting, which can harm the fetus.
