Pregnancy is an exciting time full of happiness in anticipation for growing your family. However, pregnancy can also be difficult. There can be a lot of unexpected events and things might not go as planned. While this may seem scary, The Urgency Room of Vadnais Heights, Eagan and Woodbury can help you if you experience bleeding or spotting during your first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Our board-certified physicians are highly trained and experienced—most also work as emergency room physicians around the Twin Cities. Our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment can help you quickly in your time of need, when minutes matter. Schedule an appointment at any of our three locations, open 365 days a year, including holidays, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Our telehealth services are available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Situated in Woodbury, Vadnais Heights, and Eagan, The Urgency Room is the quick and convenient alternative to overcrowded and understaffed emergency rooms for residents throughout the Twin Cities. 

What Is Early Pregnancy Bleeding or Spotting?

First of all, early pregnancy is considered within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. This time frame includes the entire first trimester and half of the second trimester. Bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is a common occurrence and isn’t always an emergency. If this happens during your pregnancy, it’s wise to first assess what could be causing the spotting or bleeding and then go to your nearest Urgency Room to assure you and your baby are happy and healthy.

Nearly one-fifth of women experience light bleeding or spotting during their first trimester, or 12 weeks of pregnancy. That means that if you experience this, too, you aren’t alone. The Urgency Room is well-equipped to assess what may be causing your spotting, but there are many reasons you could be bleeding so early on. Some causes may be routine and some may be serious. Possible reasons include:

Miscarriage

Bleeding during pregnancy isn’t necessarily a sign that a pregnancy has miscarried. Most miscarriages happen during the first trimester, though, so bleeding during this time can cause extreme concern. If you aren’t experiencing any other symptoms of a miscarriage—fever, weakness, severe cramps or abdominal pain—it’s very likely you aren’t experiencing a miscarriage. Our physicians at The Urgency Room can help assess what could be causing early pregnancy bleeding quickly.

Ectopic Pregnancy

While ectopic pregnancies only account for roughly 2% of all pregnancies, this is still a potential cause for early pregnancy spotting. When the fertilized embryo plants itself outside of the uterus, this is an ectopic pregnancy. This could be very dangerous for the mother and includes other symptoms such as nausea, lower abdominal pain, sharp cramps or fainting if the pain or bleeding is severe enough.

Infection

A sexually transmitted infection or infection of the cervix or vagina can be the cause of early pregnancy bleeding.

Cervical Changes

If you’ve had intercourse of a Pap test, both events that contact the cervix, can trigger bleeding during the first trimester. This is because extra blood flows to the cervix when you’re pregnant and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Implantation Bleeding

Within the first six to 12 days after conception, the fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus. This process could cause light spotting or bleeding, but should only last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Early pregnancy bleeding or spotting happens within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding past that time frame is considered late-pregnancy bleeding and could be a bigger cause for concern. Late-pregnancy bleeding could indicate more serious medical issues happening with the mother or baby.

If you experience bleeding or spotting, light or heavy, in the first seven weeks of your second trimester, come into your nearest Urgency Room. We can assess, diagnose and begin treatment for what could be causing you early pregnancy bleeding in a fraction of the time it would take at your average emergency room or doctor appointment.

Bleeding or spotting later in your pregnancy is rare, and even if you think you may know the cause of your bleeding, it’s a good idea to play it safe and consult a doctor to diagnose the reasons why. This ensures both you and your baby are safe and healthy—ready for a great delivery.

Convenient Care for You and Your Baby

All three Urgency Room locations are easily accessible no matter where you are from Minneapolis to St. Paul. We take pride in our accessibility as we’re open every day of the year from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If your medical urgency doesn’t require an ambulance, we’re perfect for you and your baby when needs are raised during pregnancy.

You won’t have to endure hours in stuffed waiting rooms when you come through our doors. Instead, you’ll be welcomed by our friendly staff and efficient service while receiving the best care possible.

The Urgency Room was built on a foundation of giving patients, from infants to seniors, the best care possible without making them wait. When you have a medical need, the last thing you have is time to spare and we understand that completely. All URs are owned and operated by the Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA), so you know you’re in the best hands in the Twin Cities. 

When you leave our care, you’ll still be able to find out more information and receive advice for after care or at-home care with our library of videos. If you have more questions about how we can help you, come in, call or check us out. You can always see how long of a wait you could expect at any of our locations before stopping by, but rest assured that you’ll always receive the best care by the best physicians in the shortest amount of time with us.

Whether you are experiencing early pregnancy bleeding and spotting,The Urgency Room can help. Check us out today.