Bleeding at any time during pregnancy can be startling because a woman naturally worries about the stability of her pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding in the early part of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage but there are other explanations that are perfectly normal. If any other symptoms occur with bleeding or the blood is persistent and/or heavy in flow, seek medical attention. Women carrying multiple babies have a higher likelihood of vaginal bleeding, as indicated by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Miscarriage
Signs of a miscarriage include vaginal bleeding with abdominal cramping and the passing of tissues from the vagina. Cramping during a miscarriage is similar to menstrual cramps but may be slightly more intense. American Pregnancy Association points out that most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Always contact your doctor if you experience some or all of these symptoms.
Ectopic Pregnancy
When a woman's egg becomes fertilized it implants, or attaches, to the uterine wall. When the fertilized egg becomes attached anywhere else, such as in the fallopian tubes, the pregnancy has little chance of sustaining. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that this occurs less often than a miscarriage. Like a miscarriage, there will be vaginal bleeding with an ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms include abdominal cramping and sharp pains in the abdominal area.
Implantation
Implantation bleeding is quite common and is perfectly normal. It can occur within a week to 12 days after the egg has been fertilized. The bleeding with implantation varies for each woman. Some may notice slight spotting for a brief period of time, while others have light spotting for several days. The Mayo Clinic explains that this type of bleeding is often lighter than normal menstrual blood and it can occur slightly earlier than the next expected period. Mild cramping can occur with implantation. It is not unusual for a woman to mistake implantation as signs of menstruation.
Irritation or Infection
An infection in the pelvic area or urinary tract can cause some mild bleeding or urine with a hint of pink coloration. Only a medical examination can diagnose the cause of this type of bleeding during pregnancy. The cervix becomes very tender and swollen with blood during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse can irritate the cervix, which is similar to a sponge soaked in blood at this point in pregnancy. Bleeding after sex can be bright red and typically disappears after a few hours of minor spotting.
