Dear Aunt Silvia,

I am a young married woman and expecting my first child. I am in my first trimester of pregnancy, but have been experiencing some bleeding for the last two weeks.

I asked a lady friend and she told me that such a thing occurs to some ladies quite often, but now the bleeding is going to three weeks. What should I do?
Mercy

Dear Mercy,
Vaginal bleeding can occur frequently in the first trimester of pregnancy and may not be a sign of problems. But bleeding that occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy can often be a sign of a possible complication.

Bleeding in early pregnancy can be worrying, so it’s only natural that you’re concerned about your baby. Rest assured that bleeding in the early days is common and unlikely to harm your baby.

About a quarter of mums-to-be experience some bleeding in the first three months of pregnancy.

A number of things could be causing your light bleeding. You may be experiencing breakthrough bleeding. This happens when pregnancy hormones cover up your usual menstrual cycle, but that cycle continues for a while.

So, around the time you would have had a period if you weren’t pregnant, you may get a little bleeding. You may have this bleeding more than once.

Another cause of light bleeding is the fertilized egg implanting in your uterus (womb). Implantation bleeding is thought to occur at about the same time as your period would have been due.

This makes it hard to tell implantation from breakthrough bleeding.

Your bleeding may be caused by your cervix softening, forming a raw area. This is called cervical erosion. Bleeding can also be linked to vaginal or cervical infection or a harmless growth called a polyp.

These three conditions could all result in bleeding if your cervix has been chafed, for example, when you have sex.

Although bleeding in early pregnancy is common, it is always to see a doctor and seek professional help. Make an appointment to see your doctor immediately for further tests. I wish you the best.

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