Spotting:Third trimester

What are the reasons for spotting or bleeding during the last trimester?

Bleeding towards the end of pregnancy poses a dangerous threat to the health and life of both the mother and child. Any amount of bleeding in late pregnancy should be reported to your doctor immediately. The causes of bleeding in the third trimester are:

Placenta previa (abnormally located placenta)
Placental abruption (early separation of placenta)
Rupture of a uterine scar
Vaginal trauma
Cervical cancer
Local lesions
Severe fungal or trichomonal infection, varicose veins of vagina or vulva
Polyp (local outgrowth) of the cervix or vagina
Bloody show: reddish discharge at the onset of true labor pains

With placenta previa, the placenta is implanted down low in the uterus and lies over or near the mouth of the uterus. It is in front of the presenting part of the baby and can cause life threatening bleeding. This can be found on an ultrasound during a routine office visit. Placenta previa occurs in about 1 out of every 200 pregnancies and there are no known causes. Women are at higher risk for developing placenta previa if they have previously had children (usually more than 2), are of advanced maternal age, smake, have had a previous abortion or curretage, are diabetic or women who have a large placenta-as found in twins. Most women who experience placenta previa have painless vaginal bleeding that is usually bright red. The amount of blood varies from light to heavy and may stop on its own. Blood tests will be performed to check for blood loss. If the bleeding is severe enough to put the mother's life at risk, an emergency cesarean is usually performed. Vaginal birth can only be considered for lowl-ying or marginal placenta previa.

There are different types of placenta previa.

Total placenta previa
The placenta covers the entire internal opening of the cervix.
Partial placenta previa
The placenta covers part of the opening of the cervix.
Marginal Placenta previa
The placenta extends to the edge of the cervix, but doesn`t lie over the opening.

Placental abruption is also known as premature separation of the placenta. This condition involves the detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. The blood clot is formed between the placenta and uterus. Generally the placenta that connects the baby to the uterine wall and nourishes the growing baby does not separate until after delivery. However, sometimes it will separate early. Because the placenta is the baby's source of nutrition and oxygen, the baby's life will be at risk. Placental abruption occurs in about 1 in 150 pregnancies. Although women with multiple children, advanced age, high blood pressure and an excessive amount of amniotic fluid are at a higher risk, there are no known causes. In the early stages of placental abruption there are no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the most common are bleeding from the vagina, back pain, abdominal pain, uterine tenderness and contractions. The bleeding may cause a drop in blood pressure, which is dangerous for the mother. Blood loss can also compromise the health and well being of the baby. It is important to seek medical attention immediately. An ultrasound will be done to measure the size of the blood clot and indicate whether the baby is surviving. Immediate admission to the hospital is required and the mother may be given a blood transfusion. If the baby is in distress, an immediate cesaren section will be performed to save the baby's life. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for babies suffering from placental abruption is 30-50 %.

Your healthcare provider should be notified immediately if you experience any type of bleeding. Be prepared to tell your doctor how much blood was lost and the color of the blood. Your doctor will also want to know if your membranes have ruptured, if you notice any type of foul smelling discharge, pelvic pain or if you are experiencing contractions. Recent sexual intercourse, a pelvic exam and any type of vaginal trauma can cause some bleeding. If you can not reach your health care provider and you are experiencing bleeding, you should go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Comments: Spotting - Third-trimester

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.

Mrs.jandrews - 265 days ago.
3rd trimester is 28weeks..

tanyagower - 266 days ago.
how many weks are you when you start your third trimester

Rachel4 - 300 days ago.
Hi I am 29 weeks preggers and I have been having mild cramping and spotting, and I am not sure if it's serious or not because baby is still being active

yummymummy1 - 357 days ago.
hi i am 38 week 39 on wednesday i need some advise when i wipe myself after going loo i have a bit of blood and also i have been getting alot of discarge any1 no what it is please leave me a comment thanks tasha