One of the benefits of pregnancy is that a woman gets a break from menstruation. For this reason, the sight of blood at any stage of pregnancy could give an Oregon woman cause for concern. While bleeding during the first trimester is not always cause for great concern, vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester could signal a problem and should be taken seriously.
Bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy could indicate numerous conditions that could jeopardize the health and welfare of the mother, the baby or both. For instance, a condition called placenta previa in which the placenta partially or fully covers the birth canal’s opening could cause bleeding and is considered a medical emergency. It could also signal that the placenta has detached from the uterus, which creates a dangerous situation for both mother and child.
Spotting could also mean that the mucus plug covering the opening of the uterus has passed. This is often a signal that labor is about to begin. If it happens prior to week 37 of the pregnancy, it could start premature labor, which could be dangerous for the baby. Bleeding could also be due to cancer, polyps, or an injury to the vagina or cervix.
The bottom line is that an Oregon woman who experiences vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester should seek medical attention right away. Her doctor should take steps to determine why it is occurring, what dangers there are to the baby and/or mother, and what treatments will help. If the situation is not given the urgency it requires, any number of things could go wrong, and the baby or the mother could suffer serious injuries.