Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is bleeding coming through the vagina during pregnancy, for any reason.
Up to 10% of women have vaginal bleeding at some time during their pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months (first trimester). Bleeding is even more common with twins.
To help prevent a miscarriage or other problems during pregnancy:
During the first 3 months, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. See the doctor right away. During months 4 - 9, bleeding may be a sign of:
Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy:
Other diseases and medications can cause bleeding during pregnancy. The causes may differ depending on your age.
Characteristics of the bleeding can indicate its causes. These include:
Avoid sexual intercourse until you know the cause of the bleeding. Drink only fluids if the bleeding and cramping are severe.
If a miscarriage occurs, expect a small amount of vaginal bleeding for up to 10 days after. Avoid using tampons for bleeding during pregnancy and for 2 to 4 weeks after miscarriage.
Medication is usually not necessary -- don't take any medication without talking to your doctor.
Contact your health care provider if:
Your health care provider will get a medical history and will perform a physical examination.
The doctor may ask you the following questions:
The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.
Tests that may be performed include:
Your doctor may recommend:
Pregnancy - vaginal bleeding; Maternal blood loss
Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, ed. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2007.
Taval VS, Glass CM. Emergency ultrasound. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 197.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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