Why Am I Bleeding in My Second Trimester? What Every Mom Should Know

Understanding the causes of second trimester bleeding and when to seek gentle, informed care.

I was in my second trimester—the so-called "golden" one—when I found myself staring at a few drops of blood on the toilet paper, heart thudding in my chest. I'd just gotten to the part of pregnancy where my energy was trickling back in. I could eat again. I'd even bought a few maternity tops because the bump was finally more than just bloat. Everything had started to feel... settled. And then, in one split second, all of that calm was replaced by an icy wave of fear.

No one prepares you for bleeding in the second trimester. It's not the first-trimester spotting everyone seems to mention in forums, and it's not the dramatic labor scene from a movie. It's that quiet, confusing in-between where something unexpected happens, and you don't know how worried to be. I want to talk about this moment—the one so many of us are shocked to face—because if you've been there, or you're there right now, you deserve reassurance, clarity, and care. You're not alone, and what's happening to your body matters.

What Causes Second Trimester Bleeding?

Second trimester bleeding (typically between 13 and 26 weeks) can happen for a number of reasons—some harmless, some more serious. It's always worth a call to your provider. But just because it's unexpected doesn't mean it's an emergency. Here are some common causes your doctor or midwife may explore:

1. Cervical Sensitivity or Irritation
   Hormones increase blood flow to your cervix, making it more sensitive than usual. Something as simple as sex, a pelvic exam, or even straining during a bowel movement can cause light bleeding.
2. Placenta-Related Issues
   Placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall) can cause bleeding in the second trimester. These conditions sound scary—and they are taken seriously—but many are managed successfully with rest, monitoring, and in some cases, early delivery.
3. Subchorionic Hematoma
   This is a small pool of blood between the uterine wall and the placenta. It often resolves on its own and is monitored via ultrasound. Many women go on to have completely healthy pregnancies afterward.
4. Infections or Vaginal Inflammation
   Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis can all irritate the vaginal and cervical tissue and lead to light bleeding. These are typically treatable with antibiotics or other interventions.
5. Preterm Labor (rare but urgent)
   In rare cases, bleeding may be an early sign of preterm labor. This is usually accompanied by cramping, back pain, or pressure. If you experience those symptoms, go to your provider or L&D right away.

What Happened in My Case

The day it happened, I remember freezing in the bathroom, calling my partner, then calling my OB's office. They told me to come in right away. My stomach flipped the entire car ride. I imagined worst-case scenarios and tried to convince myself I was overreacting. But when we saw the ultrasound, the baby was fine. Heart beating strong. The bleeding likely came from a tiny cervical blood vessel that had burst from mild pressure. It didn't affect the baby at all.

They told me to rest, hydrate, and keep them posted if anything changed. That's it. No big intervention. No immediate danger. But emotionally? It was a full-on storm. I spent the rest of that day wrapped in a blanket, sipping ginger tea, rubbing my belly, and listening to calming music—not because it was "the solution," but because my nervous system needed a place to land.

How I Coped Through the Anxiety

There's no perfect blueprint for handling something that feels like a threat to your baby. But these small practices helped me stay grounded during those scary few days:

• Breathwork: I used a pattern of 4-7-8 breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8). I'd picture each breath wrapping around my baby like a soft blanket.
• Quiet Connection: Even just whispering to my belly, "We're okay, I've got you," made me feel more anchored.
• Low-Tech Time: I turned off social media and asked my partner to be the point person for texts and calls. My brain needed peace, not notifications.
• Support Circle: I reached out to a friend who had bled at 16 weeks. Her response was everything: "You're not broken. You're just in the thick of it."

If You're Bleeding Right Now

Please know that your concern is valid. You don't have to wait until it gets "worse" to call your provider. Bleeding is one of those signs your body gives you that deserves to be checked out, whether it turns out to be minor or not. Trust that inner nudge.

If your provider dismisses your concern or downplays it, you have every right to advocate for yourself. Ask for an ultrasound. Ask for labs. Ask to be seen in person. You know your body best—and that wisdom is part of what makes you a mother already.

"You're not broken. You're just in the thick of it."

Gentle Reassurance for the Journey Ahead

Second trimester bleeding may feel like a crack in the glass of your pregnancy experience, but it doesn't mean the whole thing is falling apart. Sometimes, it's just a sign your body is working hard—stretching, shifting, growing. It's messy and beautiful and scary and sacred all at once.

Take it one day, one deep breath at a time. Wrap yourself in comfort, lean into your circle, and know this:

"I am safe to ask questions, to rest, and to trust my path."

You're doing beautifully. 🌸