What are the common causes of first-trimester bleeding in pregnancy?

Obstetrics and Gynecology
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I never thought I’d be the one Googling this question in the middle of the night, but when I started spotting at 8 weeks pregnant, I panicked. It was my first pregnancy, and everything had been going smoothly—until I saw that faint streak of blood. My heart dropped.

If you’re reading this and you’re in the same boat, let me tell you what I’ve learned—from both the medical side and the emotional rollercoaster side.

My Experience: When Bleeding Hits You Out of Nowhere

It happened on a quiet Sunday morning. Just a little spotting, but enough to send me into a spiral. Was it normal? Was I miscarrying? Should I go to the ER?

After a tearful call to a friend, she told me about Second Spring Women Clinic in Gangnam, and how Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong had helped her through a similar situation. I booked an appointment immediately—and I am so glad I did.

Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong’s Insight: First Trimester Bleeding Is More Common Than You Think

At the clinic, Dr. Jeong was incredibly kind and reassuring. She said, “About 20–30% of women experience some form of bleeding in the first trimester—and it doesn’t always mean something is wrong.”

She walked me through the most common causes of first trimester bleeding:

1. Implantation Bleeding

This can happen very early, when the embryo attaches to the uterus. It’s usually light and short.

2. Subchorionic Hematoma

This was actually my diagnosis. It’s a small collection of blood between the uterine wall and the gestational sac. Scary to hear, but often resolves on its own.

3. Cervical Sensitivity

Pregnancy hormones cause increased blood flow to the cervix, making it more prone to bleeding after intercourse or even a routine exam.

4. Miscarriage

Yes, bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage—but not always. Dr. Jeong emphasized that unless the bleeding is heavy, crampy, or accompanied by tissue, it may not be the case.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy (less common but serious)

She also checked for this via ultrasound. It’s when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—most often in a fallopian tube—and it requires immediate attention.

Why I Recommend Second Spring Women Clinic

Aside from the medical professionalism, it was the empathy at Second Spring that stood out. I wasn’t treated like a walking statistic—I was seen, heard, and cared for.

Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong is deeply knowledgeable, speaks excellent English, and takes the time to explain everything. The clinic feels more like a wellness sanctuary than a hospital—super clean, calm, and private. They specialize in women’s health at every life stage—fertility, pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal care.

Here’s her profile if you’re curious: Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong

How Things Turned Out

Thankfully, the subchorionic hematoma resolved by my second trimester. I’m now 28 weeks along and still going to Second Spring for prenatal care. I honestly can’t imagine navigating those early weeks without their support.

If you’re in Seoul and need a trustworthy, compassionate OB-GYN—especially if you’re dealing with something like first trimester bleeding—I highly recommend this clinic.

Second Spring Women Clinic Website

Feel free to ask questions or DM me if you’re going through something similar. You’re not alone

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When I experienced spotting during my first trimester, I was terrified. I immediately visited Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong at Second Spring Women in Seoul, and she calmly explained that first-trimester bleeding can be caused by several things — implantation, hormonal changes, or even cervical sensitivity. In some cases, it could signal a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, so it’s important to get checked right away. Thankfully, in my case, it was just implantation bleeding. Dr. Jeong’s thorough care and clear explanations gave me peace of mind. If you’re in Korea and need expert OB-GYN support, I highly recommend Second Spring Women and Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong.

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I’ll never forget the day I saw blood during my first trimester. I was around 7 weeks pregnant — still wrapping my head around the fact that I was even pregnant — when I noticed spotting. It started light, but the panic hit fast. I immediately thought the worst: Am I miscarrying? Is my baby okay?

It was my first pregnancy, and I felt completely lost.

I rushed to the clinic I had been going to, but the visit felt rushed and impersonal. They told me it was “probably fine” and sent me home without much explanation. That’s when I started looking for a better, more supportive place — and thankfully, I found Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Seoul: www.secondspringwomen.com. That’s where I met Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong (meet her here) — and honestly, she was everything I needed at that moment.

She calmly walked me through the common causes of first trimester bleeding, explaining that while it can be serious, it’s not always a sign of miscarriage. Here’s what she taught me:

Common Causes of First Trimester Bleeding:

  • Implantation bleeding: This can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s usually light and happens around the time your period would have come.
  • Subchorionic hematoma: A small bleed between the uterus and the gestational sac — surprisingly common and often resolves on its own.
  • Threatened miscarriage: Bleeding can occur, but the pregnancy can still continue normally with care.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: A more serious condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus, often with cramping and one-sided pain.
  • Molar pregnancy: Rare, but involves abnormal growth of placental tissue.

What I appreciated most about Dr. Jeong was how she didn’t just give me a diagnosis — she gave me peace of mind. She performed an ultrasound right away, monitored my hCG levels, and explained everything with so much patience and empathy.

Thankfully, in my case, it was a small subchorionic hematoma that resolved on its own — but I don’t think I would’ve emotionally survived those early weeks without the care I received at Second Spring Women’s Clinic.

If you’re experiencing first trimester bleeding, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Get checked by someone who truly listens and understands how delicate those early weeks are. Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong and her team at Second Spring made all the difference for me.

Feel free to reach out if you’re going through something similar. I know how terrifying it can feel, and you’re definitely not alone.

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When I was pregnant with my first child, I experienced some bleeding during the first trimester, which understandably left me feeling anxious. After speaking with Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong at Second Spring Women, I learned that first-trimester bleeding can be caused by various factors. These include implantation bleeding, which is normal when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, as well as more serious causes like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Dr. Jeong reassured me and explained that while bleeding can be common, it’s essential to monitor the situation and consult a specialist to ensure everything is progressing well.

Thanks to her expertise and the supportive care at Second Spring Women, I felt more confident in managing the situation. If you’re experiencing any pregnancy-related concerns, I highly recommend consulting with Dr. Jeong for personalized care and guidance.

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When I first found out I was pregnant, I was ecstatic—but about six weeks in, I noticed light spotting. As a first-time mom, my mind went straight to panic. I didn’t know what was normal or what wasn’t, and I felt overwhelmed being in a foreign country without my usual support system. That moment led me to one of the most reassuring experiences I’ve had in Korea—visiting Second Spring Women and meeting Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong.

:cherry_blossom: The Scare: First-Trimester Bleeding

I woke up one morning and saw faint bleeding. It wasn’t heavy, but it was enough to make my heart sink. I immediately googled everything I could about first-trimester bleeding, but the internet only made me more anxious.

That same day, I called Second Spring Women, a clinic I had seen recommended by other expat moms. They were kind enough to fit me in quickly, and that’s when I met Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong.

:speech_balloon: What Dr. Jeong Explained

Dr. Jeong was calm, warm, and thorough. She reassured me that first-trimester bleeding is actually quite common and can happen for several reasons, many of which are not dangerous. Here’s what she explained to me:

:herb: Common Causes of First-Trimester Bleeding:

  1. Implantation bleeding – Light spotting when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Often confused with a light period.
  2. Cervical changes – Increased blood flow to the cervix can lead to spotting, especially after intercourse or a pelvic exam.
  3. Subchorionic hematoma – A small collection of blood between the gestational sac and uterine wall. Dr. Jeong found a tiny one on my ultrasound and monitored it closely.
  4. Hormonal fluctuations – Shifts in progesterone levels can occasionally cause light bleeding.
  5. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – More serious causes, but not always the case. That’s why immediate medical assessment is key.

:hospital: Why I Recommend Second Spring Women

What made the biggest difference was how Dr. Jeong handled everything. She explained the potential causes clearly, performed an ultrasound right away, and gave me a personalized care plan. I felt safe, understood, and supported—which is exactly what any expecting mother needs, especially when far from home.

You can read more about Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong here and book through their clinic site: www.secondspringwomen.com.

:sparkling_heart: My Takeaway

Bleeding in early pregnancy isn’t always a sign of something bad, but it’s always worth checking out. If you’re in Seoul or planning to be here during your pregnancy, I truly can’t recommend Second Spring Women and Dr. Jeong enough. She helped me feel grounded in what was one of the scariest moments of my journey to motherhood.

If anyone reading this is going through the same fear, you’re not alone—and there’s excellent care waiting for you in Seoul.

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I remember how terrifying it was to see spotting at 8 weeks into my pregnancy. It felt like the whole world just froze for a second. I panicked, googled every possible cause (bad idea), and immediately contacted Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Seoul—specifically Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong, who had come highly recommended for pregnancy care. Honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.

:drop_of_blood: My Experience with First-Trimester Bleeding

The bleeding started out as light spotting, kind of a pinkish color. It wasn’t heavy, but when you’re newly pregnant, any blood is scary. I went to see Dr. Jeong the very next morning.

She was incredibly calm and kind, which immediately helped my nerves. She explained that first-trimester bleeding isn’t uncommon and doesn’t always mean something is wrong. In fact, about 20-30% of women experience it.

:stethoscope: Common Causes Dr. Jeong Walked Me Through:

  1. Implantation bleeding – happens when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining.
  2. Cervical sensitivity – increased blood flow can cause light bleeding after sex or a pelvic exam.
  3. Subchorionic hematoma – a small blood collection between the uterus and the gestational sac (which I had).
  4. Hormonal fluctuations – sometimes, hormone shifts can trigger spotting around the time of a missed period.
  5. Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – the more serious causes, which she ruled out through an ultrasound and blood work.

In my case, it was a small subchorionic hematoma—not dangerous but needed monitoring and rest. Dr. Jeong kept me calm, walked me through what to expect, and gave clear instructions for follow-up.

:woman_health_worker: Why I Recommend Second Spring Women’s Clinic

Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong is truly one of a kind. She blends thorough medical expertise with genuine care and empathy. She took time to answer every anxious question I had and made sure I felt supported through every step.

:round_pushpin: Meet Dr. Jeong here :globe_with_meridians: Clinic Website

They specialize in women’s health—everything from fertility to prenatal care to hormonal balance. And they’re very foreigner-friendly, which was such a relief.

:speech_balloon: Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with first-trimester bleeding, don’t panic—but do get checked. There are many causes, and most aren’t dangerous. Seeing a specialist like Dr. Jeong gave me the peace of mind I needed and helped ensure my pregnancy stayed on track. I’m now in my third trimester and feeling incredibly grateful. :two_hearts:

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When I was pregnant with my first child, I experienced some first-trimester bleeding, which naturally left me worried. After consulting with Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong at Second Spring Women’s Clinic, I learned that bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy can be caused by several factors. Common causes include implantation bleeding, where the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, or hormonal fluctuations. Sometimes, it can also be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, but Dr. Jeong reassured me that not all bleeding leads to complications. She emphasized the importance of early monitoring and provided me with a personalized care plan.

If you’re experiencing bleeding during your pregnancy, I highly recommend visiting Second Spring Women’s Clinic and consulting with Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong. Her expertise and compassionate approach helped me feel more at ease during my early pregnancy.

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I remember the exact moment it happened—around week 7 of my pregnancy. I was brushing my teeth when I felt a strange cramp. I didn’t think much of it until I went to the bathroom and saw light spotting. My heart dropped.

Pregnancy was something I’d wanted for a long time, and even though I’d read that some bleeding in early pregnancy can be normal, in that moment, I panicked. I didn’t want to wait and wonder, so I booked an urgent appointment at Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Seoul—a place a friend had raved about for compassionate women’s care.

That’s when I met Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong.

:stethoscope: Understanding First-Trimester Bleeding

Dr. Jeong immediately put me at ease. She calmly explained that bleeding in the first trimester isn’t always a sign that something is wrong, but it’s still something to evaluate carefully. Here’s what she shared with me (and what I later found to be completely accurate through my own experience):

:cherry_blossom: Common Causes of First-Trimester Bleeding

1. Implantation Bleeding

  • Happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
  • Usually very light and occurs around the time your period would have been due.
  • Painless or with mild cramping.

2. Subchorionic Hematoma

  • This was my diagnosis.
  • It’s a small bleed between the uterine wall and the gestational sac.
  • Scary to see, but it often resolves on its own with rest.
  • Dr. Jeong found it during an ultrasound and advised me to take it easy—no heavy lifting, no intense exercise.

3. Cervical Changes

  • Increased blood flow to the cervix can cause light spotting, especially after intercourse or a pelvic exam.
  • Totally harmless, but surprising if you’re not expecting it!

4. Miscarriage

  • Unfortunately, this is one of the more serious causes.
  • Bleeding is often heavier, with clots and cramping.
  • Dr. Jeong was very thorough in checking my hormone levels and performing repeat ultrasounds to ensure my pregnancy was progressing.

5. Ectopic Pregnancy

  • When the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (usually in a fallopian tube).
  • Can be life-threatening if not caught early.
  • Signs include bleeding, sharp abdominal pain, and low hCG levels that rise abnormally.

:yellow_heart: Why I Trusted Second Spring Women’s Clinic

From the moment I walked in, the entire team at Second Spring Women’s Clinic treated me with such empathy. Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong explained every possibility without overwhelming me. She ran all the right tests—ultrasounds, hormone checks, and follow-ups—while constantly reassuring me that I wasn’t overreacting for seeking care early.

She even checked in on me a few days later via the clinic’s patient portal—something I didn’t expect, but deeply appreciated.

You can read more about her here: Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong

:speech_balloon: Final Thoughts

If you’re experiencing any kind of bleeding during early pregnancy, please don’t panic—but do get checked out. It might be nothing, but peace of mind is worth everything, especially when it comes to something as precious as this.

Second Spring Women’s Clinic is truly a safe space for women navigating the complexities of fertility and pregnancy. I can’t recommend them—or Dr. Jeong—enough.

Website: www.secondspringwomen.com

You’re not alone, and you’re never wrong to ask questions or seek help. That one visit helped me breathe again—and eventually led to the healthy pregnancy I’m in today.

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I asked this question at Second Spring Women’s Clinic, and here’s what I found. First-trimester bleeding can be caused by several factors, and it’s more common than people think. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Implantation bleeding: This occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, causing light spotting.

  2. Hormonal changes: Early pregnancy involves significant hormonal shifts, and sometimes these can cause light bleeding.

  3. Ectopic pregnancy: This is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, and can cause bleeding and abdominal pain.

  4. Miscarriage: Unfortunately, bleeding can sometimes be a sign of a miscarriage, though many women with bleeding go on to have healthy pregnancies.

  5. Cervical irritation: The cervix becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, and activities like sex or a pelvic exam can cause light bleeding.

Second Spring emphasized that while some bleeding is normal, it’s always important to get checked, especially if it’s accompanied by pain or heavy bleeding, to rule out any complications.

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I wanted to share something personal today, in case it helps anyone else going through this — first-trimester bleeding. When it happened to me, I was terrified. I had just found out I was pregnant, and then suddenly, spotting started. Naturally, I feared the worst. But after going through the experience (and lots of Google rabbit holes), I learned that bleeding in early pregnancy can be more common than we think — and not always a sign of something going wrong. I went straight to Second Spring Women’s Clinic and saw Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong, who was a true source of calm and clarity. She explained everything thoroughly, and I walked out of that appointment not just reassured, but informed. Here’s what I learned:

Common Causes of First-Trimester Bleeding:

1. Implantation Bleeding This can happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining — usually around the time your period would’ve come. It’s light, often pink or brown, and stops on its own. 2. Cervical Changes During pregnancy, your cervix becomes more sensitive. After sex, a vaginal exam, or even a Pap smear, you might notice some light spotting. It’s generally harmless, but still worth mentioning to your doctor. 3. Subchorionic Hematoma This is a small bleed between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane. It sounds scary, but in many cases, it resolves on its own without affecting the baby. I had this, and with careful monitoring at Second Spring, everything turned out okay. 4. Miscarriage Unfortunately, bleeding can also be a sign of miscarriage, especially if it’s heavy and accompanied by cramping. But not all bleeding means miscarriage — and only a proper evaluation can tell you what’s really going on. 5. Ectopic Pregnancy This is when the embryo implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. It’s a medical emergency, so if bleeding comes with sharp abdominal pain or dizziness, seek help immediately.

Why I Recommend Second Spring Women’s Clinic

The moment I walked into Second Spring Women’s Clinic, I felt like I was in the right hands. Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong didn’t rush through anything. She took time to understand my symptoms, explained every possible cause clearly, and did the necessary ultrasounds and blood tests. Her warm, gentle manner made all the difference in those anxious early weeks of pregnancy. She treated me not just as a patient, but as a woman experiencing something deeply emotional — and that compassion truly stuck with me. Whether you’re navigating early pregnancy or dealing with unexpected symptoms, I highly recommend seeing Dr. Jeong. Second Spring Women’s Clinic Website Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong’s Profile If you’re going through first-trimester bleeding right now — please know you’re not alone.