Is it normal to spot at 22 weeks pregnant

Light bleeding or spotting during late pregnancy may occur after sex or a cervical exam. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy, seek emergency medical care.

It could be caused by a:. If you experience a lighter blood flow or light spotting, you should still call your doctor right away. Depending on your other symptoms, you may need an evaluation. About 10 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage.

You may also experience pain or cramping in your lower back or abdomen, or fluid or tissue passing from your vagina along with the following symptoms:. Further along in the first trimester, or if there are com plications , you may require a procedure called dilation and curettage — commonly called a D and C — to stop bleeding and prevent infection. If the fetus is no longer alive, you may be given medication to help you deliver the fetus and placenta vaginally or your doctor may decide to surgically remove the fetus using a procedure called dilation and evacuation , also known as D and E.

A second or third-trimester miscarriage requires physical and emotional care. If you work outside your home, ask your doctor when you can return to your office or work site. If you think you need more time for emotional recovery, let your doctor know.

They may be able to provide documentation to your employer to allow you to take additional time off. If you plan to get pregnant again, ask your doctor how long they recommend you wait before trying to conceive. Experiencing a miscarriage can be devastating. Know that a miscarriage is not your fault. Lean on family and friends for support during this difficult time. You can also find a grief counselor in your area. Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve.

Many people go on to have healthy pregnancies following a miscarriage. They may also take an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound to confirm a healthy fetus developing appropriately and to check for a heartbeat. During early pregnancy, you may also need an hCG blood test. This tests for a standard pregnancy and can help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or rule out a potential miscarriage. Your blood type will also be confirmed.

Many people experience implantation bleeding during early pregnancy. Also let your doctor know if you experience other symptoms along with spotting, such as cramps, backache, or a fever. Remember that many people who experience spotting go on to have healthy pregnancies. Your doctor can help evaluate your symptoms. Read this article in Spanish. A miscarriage is the early loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Unfortunately, miscarriages are common in the first trimester. If you have not already arranged childbirth education classes , it is time to do so. Childbirth education classes provide accurate information on what to expect during labor and birth , teach relaxation techniques to use during labor, help labor coaches understand their role, and provide opportunities to talk with other couples who are expecting.

Try to complete your class by the end of your 37th week , to ensure you can finish it before labor begins. Hospitals, community centers, and pregnancy centers normally offer classes. If you need assistance in locating classes, the following organizations can be used to locate a class near you:. Many women begin worrying about preterm labor, especially if they begin to develop lower abdominal pain , dull backaches, pressure in the pelvic area, cramping , and a change in vaginal discharge.

These symptoms can either be normal or indicate preterm labor. There is now a test that can be done to determine what exactly is going on. Fetal fibronectin fFN is found in the amniotic sac and fetal membranes. However, this protein disappears after 22 weeks and is not present again until 38 weeks.

If this protein is found in the vaginal secretions of a woman who is more than 22 weeks pregnant but less than 38 weeks, then there is an increased risk of preterm labor. If the protein is absent, then the woman has a low risk and will not deliver in the next two weeks. The test is performed like a Pap smear , and results are returned within 24 hours. Suggest that the two of you do something now that might be harder to do once the baby has arrived.

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