What can cause bleeding in late pregnancy?

Bleeding in late pregnancy can often be attributed to an increase in cervical vascularity. As pregnancy progresses, especially in the third trimester, the cervix becomes more vascularized in preparation for labor. This increased blood flow can make the cervix more prone to bleeding, particularly if there is any irritation or physical strain.

Conditions such as cervical ectropion, where the cells of the cervix change and become more sensitive, can also lead to bleeding due to the highly vascular nature of the area. This bleeding, while sometimes alarming, can be a common occurrence and may not always indicate a serious problem except in certain contexts, such as with placental issues or other complications.

The other options, while they may relate to different aspects of pregnancy, do not directly cause bleeding in the same way. Increased pressure in the abdominal area is a general symptom of late pregnancy and does not specifically lead to bleeding. Hormonal fluctuations typically occur earlier in pregnancy and are not a direct cause of bleeding in late pregnancy. An absence of uterine contractions is also not a factor that would typically lead to bleeding. Therefore, understanding the role of cervical vascularity is key to recognizing its connection to bleeding in late pregnancy.