Ask Our Expert - Bleeding in the First Trimester

November 08, 2009

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Bleeding in the First Trimester

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I had moderate to light bleeding during my entire first three months of pregnancy. One doctor said that there might be a greater chance of some sort of problem with the baby (as in a chromosome abnormality), and another doctor said early deliveries often happen with people who have bled at the beginning of their pregnancies. Is this correct? — Concerned Mommy-to-Be in California

ANSWER	May 23, 2001


Dear Concerned Mommy-to-Be, Bleeding in the first trimester is a common experience and most pregnancies that don't miscarry run a normal course. Unfortunately, anyone who has had some bleeding in the first trimester is at slightly increased risk for a "bad outcome," meaning premature birth, poor fetal growth, etc. However, there isn't any associated increase in birth defects or chromosome problems. So all in all, anyone who had first trimester bleeding (which is a lot of moms!) has a slightly increased risk of problems later in their pregnancy but is still most likely going to have a normal pregnancy, birth, and baby. Wishing you well! — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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