Spotting & Cramping in Pregnancy: Causes & Soothing Methods

Spotting

Before going any further, you need to understand exactly what spotting means. You have spotting when you notice very light bleeding that is usually brown or pink in color. If you notice heavy bleeding, it is not considered spotting and may actually indicate a miscarriage, especially when you see blood dark in color. In case of a miscarriage, you may also notice blood clots and clumps of tissue.

Consider wearing a pad soon after you notice any spotting during pregnancy. This will help you determine how heavy it is. Avoid using tampons to control bleeding, as it increases your risk of uterine infections and toxic shock syndrome that can be dangerous for your baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you lose as much blood as you usually do during a regular menstrual period.

Cramping

Cramping,on the other hand, refers to abdominal spasm of the back and front muscles. Cramps can cause serious discomfort, but they are usually bearable. In case your cramps are sharp and ongoing, you may want to see your doctor for further evaluation. But, the question is, "Why do you experience a combination of spotting and cramping?" What does it indicate?

In general, you should talk to your doctor if you have abdominal cramping along with bleeding in pregnancy. Your doctor will ask about other symptoms and perform some tests as well. They will look for a fetal heartbeat and even check your HCG levels to ensure everything is fine. They may also refer to ultrasound scans to confirm that your baby is growing in a healthy way.

Keep in mind that the risk of having a miscarriage is always present during pregnancy. In fact, statistics show that 15% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriages, and most of these incidents happen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Moreover, cramping or bleeding may also indicate other pregnancy complications, such as placental previa, placental abruption, and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, you may consider getting in touch with your doctor if you notice heavy bleeding with strong abdominal cramping.

You Have Breakthrough Bleeding

The hormones that control your menstrual cycle can cause breakthrough bleeding during pregnancy. You usually have it around the time when your regular menstrual period is due. It may continue for a couple of days and produce some regular period symptoms, such as pressure in the pelvis, cramps, bloating, etc.

You are less likely to experience breakthrough bleeding after first three months of pregnancy, though the placenta takes charge of hormone production from your uterus required during pregnancy. 

Talk to your doctor if your bleeding become heavy or does not stop after a few days. The doctor will use ultrasound scans to test the baby and may even test your blood for rhesus status. You may have to take injections of anti D immunoglobin in case you are rhesus negative.

Ectopic Pregnancy

About 1 out of 60 pregnant women end up dealing with an ectopic pregnancy. It refers to a situation when a fertilized egg fails to implants itself inside the uterus – it usually implants itself in the fallopian tubes, but it can be elsewhere in the pelvis. You are at a greater risk of dealing with an ectopic pregnancy if you have had pelvic surgery in the past. Women with an infection in their tubes and a history of ectopic pregnancy are also at an increased risk of developing this complication.

Some common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are vaginal bleeding, low levels of hCG, strong cramps, and nausea.

Your doctor would be able to see it during a regular ultrasound exam. You usually require laparoscopic surgery immediately after it is confirmed that the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside of the uterus. Sometimes, your doctor would give you medication to keep pregnancy tissue from growing.

Molar Pregnancy

A molar pregnancy refers to a condition when there is an abnormal growth of tissue inside the uterus that may spread to other parts of the body. The genetic makeup of the sperm or egg has a role to play here, but you are at an increased risk of a molar pregnancy: if you are above the age of 35, have a history of miscarriage, have a history of molar pregnancy, and have a diet low in vitamin A.

While molar pregnancy causes symptoms similar to that of a normal pregnancy, such as missing your period and morning sickness, it can also cause other symptoms as well, including:

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding, sometimes with cramps

• Severe nausea or vomiting

• Vaginal discharge of tissue (the size of grapes)

• Intense feeling of nervousness or tiredness, having a faster heartbeat than normal or sweating excessively

It is important to talk to your doctor immediately. They will perform several tests to confirm if you really have a molar pregnancy.

Infection, Irritation, and Tears

Spotting and cramping during pregnancy may be the result of increasing pressure on the body. This is especially true if you have cramping in the first trimester. A tear, irritation, or infection can also cause cramping or spotting. You are likely to experience this complication if you have a sensitive cervix, have low-lying placenta, or have placental tear. Sometimes, fibroids and polyps can be the underlying cause of bleeding.

Non-Pregnancy Related Reasons

You are going to experience so many physical and mental changes during pregnancy mainly due to a hormonal imbalance, but you should keep in mind that sometimes cramping or spotting are the result of illnesses or ailments not directly related to pregnancy.

You may experience cramping if you have kidney stones, appendicitis, preeclampsia, or urinary tract infection. Similarly, physical overexertion may result in bleeding. Some women experience spotting after sexual intercourse and this could happen because of an increased blood supply to the area.