Question #5: Is it normal to have bleeding when you are pregnant?

It is never normal to bleed when you are pregnant.  Having said that, it certainly doesn't mean that if you do bleed it means you will miscarry or even have any harm to the baby.  In fact it all depends when in the pregnancy, how much, and what the source of the bleeding is.

Early 1st trimester bleeding (within the first 12 weeks) is always concerning to me as it does increase the risk that the pregnancy may be non-viable or end in a miscarriage.  If the bleeding is light or moderate, lighter then a normal period, there is about a 50/50 chance it portends a loss.  That also says there is a 50% chance all will be normal.

Bleeding in pregnancy can come from 4 possible sources; the placenta, the cervix, the bladder or the bowels.  If its from the cervix it is often associated with intercourse and is usually light.  Bladder bleeding can appear and would be indicative of an infection.  The most common type of bowel bleeding is related to hemorrhoids and can usually easily be elucidated. So these are not usually dangerous to the pregnancy.  Bleeding from the placenta can be indicative that the pregnancy is not growing or already dead.  The heavier the bleeding and the more the cramping the more concern. It is a simple thing to find the answer and an ultrasound can almost always tell us the truth.

Bleeding during the 2nd and early third trimester is much rarer. If it's heavy even as much as a period it should be evaluated either by going to the hospital or your doctors office a.s.a.p.. Light bleeding that is not painful is likely coming from the cervix, especially if it is associated with intercourse. Your doctor should be informed but it is not an emergency.   Heavy bleeding at this stage of pregnancy can mean the placenta is separating and is an emergency.

Bleeding in the late 3rd trimester or near the last 3 or 4 weeks of pregnancy can either be associated with labor and cervical change or the placenta and possible placental separation.  Again it is important if it is heavy like a period or heavier and painful.  This type of bleeding would be more likely from a placental separation and is an emergency.  Light bleeding that is not painful or associated with contractions is not an emergency but may mean labor is starting and a hospital or doctors office visit would be advised.