Cervical bleeding in pregnancy

Cervical bleeding during pregnancy is a relatively common occurence.

Minor - usually painless - vaginal bleeding is experienced by many women during pregnancy. Examination may reveal that the bleeding is coming from the cervix. This is usually a result of what is popularly known as cervical erosion (cervical ectropion), a fairly common finding during pregnancy and also with use of the contraceptive pill.

As a point of clarification, it is important to mention the fact that erosion is an erroneous term because physical erosion is not actually there. The main issue is that the changes make the cervix prone to easy bleeding. Bleeding from the cervix may be provoked by sexual intercourse or douching. It may also occur unprovoked.

The cervix may also bleed as a result of inflammation, a condition known as "cervicitis". Bleeding is typically light, painless and self-limiting. It may be recurrent.

The 'show' heralding imminent labor

Labour is normally preceded by what is known as a "show". This is usually a mucous plug which is occasionally blood-stained. The blood accompanying the show could be substantial, to the extent of causing anxiety. The early contraction pains and/or backache may reinforce the anxiety that something is wrong. In any case, any bleeding in pregnancy should be verified by an expert.

Next Page: Miscarriage

Cervical erosion can be a cause of bleeding in pregnancy

The cervix with an ‘erosion’

cervix

Vaginal wall

Ectropion (erosion)