Why am I bleeding?

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One of the scariest things that can happen to a pregnant woman is to discover she's bleeding. But it doesn't necessarily mean that there's a problem.

Read our helpful info on what the pregnancy bleed might be...

Implantation bleed

Symptoms of early pregnancy can be similar to the way you feel when your period's due. You may get a little breakthrough bleeding or 'spotting', called an implantation bleed, 6-10 days after conception, as the fertilised egg embeds itself in the womb lining.

In the first few weeks, some women find they have a light bleed around the time their period would have been due.

Sex or internal exam

During pregnancy there's an increased blood supply to the cervix and you may experience a small amount of spotting after sex or an internal examination. This is very common and it can be pink, red or brown.

Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

Blood loss in pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by pain or cramps. Any bleeding in early pregnancy is often referred to as a 'threatened miscarriage'. You can contact your midwife, who should be able to arrange an ultrasound scan. But if there's only a small amount of bleeding, just take it easy and see if it stops.

Bed rest used to be advised for women who bleed in early pregnancy, but there's no evidence that this makes any difference to the outcome. In any case, for reassurance contact your midwife.

Next: Why am I bleeding? Infections, Anti-D

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Why am I bleeding?
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danielle, about 1 month

I'm 16 and I had unprotected sex about a week ago, the guy didn't pull out either. I have had a few symptoms that make me think I'm pregnant, eating a lot, stomach cramps and lower back pain. the thing is my period isn't due until the 28th and I started bleeding yesterday. I don't want to take a test because it's too early but I would really like some ideas of what could be going on. Please could someone help me? I'm so scared. :( x

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julie, 6 months

im not sure if im pregnant but im bleedin heavely and have been over a week now could this be a misscarage it may sound daft but am askin

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michelle, 8 months

hi i need sum advice i had da contraception implant out over a month ago now but after i had it out i had unprotected sex a few days after i still avent had a proper period evertime i think ive com on i havent its reall small amounts of pink coloured bood ive done a pregnancy test but its negative im gettin a few cramps like period pains but not often i have a child allready and this what happened before i done 3 test with her n it turned out negative i dont really no what 2 fink i mean i aint been sick or anythink could u get back 2 me please

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Amanda, 9 months

Ok so I'm not quite sure what to think. I usually have a very heavy period. The first 2 days are light then until about the 5th day its heavy with cramps. Its the third day and its very light and barely any cramps. I have a horrible headache and a temperature. Could I possibly be pregnant or is this all in my head?

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will, about 1 year

My friend thinks she's pregnant because she has bled out almost brown blood about 7 days after she had sex, she had sex 2 days after her period ended and she doesn't no if she is pregnant or not what could this be ? and do you think she should be concerned ??

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Chloe, about 1 year

hi i am 16years old i came on my period just over 6 weeks now and i still havent come off, i am scared i might have been pregnant and misscarriaged but i am not sure, i really dont no what to do and just recently it has got a million times worse and there is so much

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jalie, about 1 year

My friend is quiet confused,she last had her periods 30th of dececmber 2007 but her actual day of menstration was supposed to be 24th of december.She waited for her menstration for january but all in vain till today,but she has tested with the home hpt tests 4 times and all of them give positive results.what advise do you give her because she claims she last had i sexual intercals in december.the whole of january she almost didn´t have any sexual activity till 27 0f january 2008 almost 2 days to her january menstruation which she claims was 27,28,29 were all safe days for her to concieve. So we kindly need your help because this situation totally confusing.

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natasha, about 1 year

MY BIG SISTER IS 6 MONTHS PREGNANT AND SHE IS BLEEDING I THINK SHE COULD HAVE A MISSCARAGE

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