Bleeding during pregnancy is always cause for some degree of concern. Sometimes this may be implantation bleeding, a period after pregnancy, sign of miscarriage, bloody show at a full-term pregnancy, pre-term labor or problems with the placenta.

**Always contact your doctor if you experience any bleeding or spotting (very light bleeding) during pregnancy.**

This type of bleeding is usually in a very small amount and occurs when the embryo is attaching to the lining of the uterus. Some women may think they are starting their period, but then realize they were only lightly spotting or having implantation bleeding. Around 7-10 days after conception, is when implantation bleeding usually occurs and is not accompanied with lower abdominal pain. Many women do not have this type of bleeding.

Sometimes women have a period after they have conceived. Sometimes this is a pattern passed from their mother. This period may be like a normal period or may be a little lighter than normal. This is why some women do not know they are pregnant until the next month when they do miss a period.

Bleeding during pregnancy is unfortunately also a sign of a possible miscarriage or pending miscarriage.

Some signs of a possible miscarriage or pending miscarriage are:

1. cramping in the center of your abdomen (low)
2. pain without bleeding that is severe or lasts for more than one day
3. bleeding that is heavy (like a period) or spotting that lasts for more than three days.
4. History of miscarriages
5. You soak several sanitary napkins (pads) in a one hour period
6. If you pass gray or pink material or clots. (save anything like clots to take to the doctor).

What you should do if you suspect a miscarriage:

1. Call your doctor or immediately go to the emergency room or doctors office.
2. Lay down and rest if you are waiting for help or if your doctor suggests that you wait.

If you are experiencing bleeding or spotting around the 40^th week of pregnancy, this could be called bloody show. This is when you are losing your mucus plug and is usually pinkish or very light colored mixed in with a mucus discharge. This also means that childbirth may occur within 24 hours (sometimes a few days).

Pre-term labor bleeding is usually characterized by being light pink or brownish in color. The woman may feel signs of labor during this time.

Bleeding may occur if you have abnormalities of the placenta. If you have conditions such as placenta previa, you may experience bleeding. This is due to the placenta pulling away from the area of the cervix. Usually bleeding will occur around the 34^th to 38^th week if at all.