Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

One out of 10 women will have vaginal bleeding during their 3rd trimester. At times, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. In the last few months of pregnancy, you should always report bleeding to your health care provider right away.

You should understand the difference between spotting and bleeding:

• Spotting is when you notice a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear. It is not enough to cover a panty liner.
• Bleeding is a heavier flow of blood. With bleeding, you will need a liner or pad to keep the blood from soaking your clothes.

When labor begins, the cervix starts to open up more, or dilate. You may notice a small amount of blood mixed in with normal vaginal discharge, or mucus.

Mid- or late-term bleeding may also be caused by:

• Having sex (most often just spotting)
• An internal exam by your provider (most often just spotting)
• Diseases or infections of the vagina or cervix
• Uterine fibroids or cervical growths or polyps

More serious causes of late-term bleeding may include:

• Placenta previa is a problem of pregnancy in which the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix.
• Placenta abruptio (abruption) occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born.

To find the cause of your vaginal bleeding, your provider may need to know:

• If you have cramping, pain, or contractions
• If you have had any other bleeding during this pregnancy
• When the bleeding began and whether it comes and goes or is constant
• How much bleeding is present, and whether it is spotting or a heavier flow
• The color of the blood (dark or bright red)
• If there is an odor to the blood
• If you have fainted, felt dizzy or nauseated, vomited, or had diarrhea or a fever
• If you have had recent injuries or falls
• When you last had sex and if you bled afterward
• If you’re feeling the baby move
• If you’ve had other complications during the pregnancy

A small amount of spotting without any other symptoms that occurs after having sex or an exam by your provider can be watched at home. To do this:

• Put on a clean pad and recheck it every 30 to 60 minutes for a few hours.
• If spotting or bleeding continues, call your provider.
• If the bleeding is heavy, your belly feels stiff and painful, or you are having strong and frequent contractions, you may need to call 911 or your local emergency number.

For any other bleeding, call your provider right away.

• You will be told whether to go to the emergency room or to the labor and delivery area in your hospital.
• Your provider will also tell you whether you can drive yourself or you should call an ambulance.

Baeseman ZJ. Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:1273-1276.

Francois KE, Foley MR. Antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe’s Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 18.

Henn MC, Lall MD. Complications of pregnancy. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 173.

Hull AD, Resnik R, Silver RM. Placenta previa and accreta, vasa previa, subchorionic hemorrhage, and abruptio placentae.  In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 43.

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Pregnancy – bleeding problems – Better Health Channel

Bleeding from the vagina in early pregnancy is very common. In fact, it is thought to happen in almost one in four pregnancies – many of which will result in a healthy baby. About a third to half of all women who have bleeding will go on to miscarry.

Bleeding later in your pregnancy is less common and can be a sign of a serious problem, such as placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (separation of the placenta).

You should go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you are experiencing:

• heavy bleeding, for instance soaking two pads per hour or passing golf ball sized clots
• severe abdominal pain or shoulder pain
• fever or chills
• dizziness or fainting
• unusual smelling vaginal discharge
• bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy.

Causes of bleeding problems during pregnancy

It is not always possible to pinpoint why a woman is bleeding during pregnancy. Some of the many reasons may include:

• Miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Implantation bleeding
• Placenta previa
• Placental abruption.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus (unborn baby) can survive outside the uterus (womb).

Miscarriage usually occurs in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy (the first trimester), and most miscarriages occur without a clear cause.

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of miscarriage. Some women may experience period-like cramping pain in the lower pelvis. Others may experience no symptoms at all.

Ectopic pregnancy

During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fetus starts to grow outside of the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can include cramping, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Pain might be caused by a ruptured fallopian tube. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate surgery.

Implantation bleeding

One cause for bleeding in early pregnancy is ‘implantation bleeding’. This usually occurs as light bleeding or ‘spotting’ and happens when the fetus implants (buries) itself into the lining of your womb (around the time that your first period after conception would have been due). This bleeding will often last a few days then stop.

Placenta previa

Placenta previa occurs where the placenta is (either wholly or in part) inserted into the lower part of the uterus and covering the cervix. One of the signs of placenta previa is bleeding after 28 weeks.

Diagnosis of placenta previa is by ultrasound. If you are diagnosed with placenta previa, your baby will usually be born by caesarean section.

Placental abruption

This is when part or all of the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before the birth of your baby. The amount of bleeding varies, as does the impact on your baby. Treatment may involve monitoring you and your baby, bed rest, or, in more serious cases, the early birth of your baby.

Tests for bleeding problems during early pregnancy

It can take some time for your doctor to be sure of what the bleeding means. You may need a number of tests, which could include:

• Vaginal examination – to check the size of your uterus and the amount of bleeding. This examination lasts a few minutes and may be a bit uncomfortable.
• Blood tests – to check your blood type and, sometimes, the levels of pregnancy hormones in your blood.
• Ultrasound scan – gel is rubbed on your abdomen. A hand-held scanner uses sound waves to provide pictures of the pregnancy. In very early pregnancy, more information is gained by placing a small, slender scanner in the vagina. You will need to have a full bladder before the scan. An ultrasound scan takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If an ultrasound is needed, it can be arranged through the emergency department of your nearest hospital or your local doctor.

Tests for bleeding problems during later pregnancy

Both placenta previa and placental abruption can cause heavy bleeding of bright red blood from the vagina.

A vaginal examination is often used to help diagnose placental abruption, but could trigger heavier bleeding in the case of placenta previa. Therefore, an ultrasound scan should always be taken first, and digital (finger) vaginal examinations should be strictly avoided in the case of placenta previa.

Tests used to diagnose placenta previa include:

• medical history
• ultrasound scan
• feeling the mother’s belly to establish the baby’s position (the baby is sideways or presenting bottom-first in around one in three cases of placenta previa)
• very gentle speculum vaginal examination (to make sure the bleeding is not coming from the cervix or vagina).

Having ruled out placenta previa using the tests above, a digital vaginal examination may be used to identify placental abruption.

Treatment of bleeding problems during early pregnancy

The bleeding may be light and stop in a day or two. Many people go on to have a healthy baby at full term after such a bleed.

However, sometimes the bleeding becomes heavy and a miscarriage is likely to happen. While you still need to see a doctor, in such circumstances there is no emergency care that will save your pregnancy.

Sometimes, during a miscarriage, some of the pregnancy tissue may remain inside the uterus. This can lead to very heavy bleeding if it is not treated. Your doctor will tell you if you need further treatment.

If you are Rhesus (Rh) negative (if you have a negative blood type), you may require an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin to prevent problems related to possible blood incompatibility in future pregnancies.

Bleeding during early pregnancy and taking care of yourself at home

You may feel a range of emotions over this time. Guilt is a normal feeling, but don’t blame yourself, as you have done nothing wrong. Your body will be going through changes in hormone levels and this can make you feel very emotional. It may help to talk to family or friends.

While there is no specific treatment to prevent a miscarriage, things you can do that may help include:

• Getting plenty of rest.
• Using pads rather than tampons while you are bleeding.
• Avoiding sex while you are bleeding. Sex can resume once the bleeding has stopped.
• Taking mild pain relief medication, such as paracetamol, if needed.
• Reporting any changes in your condition to your doctor.

If you are finding your mood remains low for an extended period of time, you may be experiencing depression and require the assistance of a professional.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Obstetrician
• Midwife
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)External Link. To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) Helpline Tel. 1300 726 306

causes and treatment by an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Proxima Medical Center (Sochi)

Bleeding during pregnancy is an obstetric symptom characterized by discharge from the vagina of various volumes of bloody discharge, the cause of which can act as pathological conditions, and natural physiological changes in the female body. Every fifth pregnant woman faces this symptom. Bleeding occurs predominantly in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Bloody discharge from the vagina should be a reason for urgent medical attention, as in some cases this condition can pose a threat to the mother and fetus.

Causes of bleeding during pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy the most common cause of bleeding is spontaneous miscarriage. Approximately at 6 obstetric weeks, spotting is characteristic of ectopic attachment of the fetal egg, fetal fading, or an Rhesus conflict between the fetus and mother.

In the second trimester of pregnancy bleeding is observed much less frequently, in no more than 10% of cases. In most cases, it is due to pathological causes, including isthmic-cervical insufficiency, intrauterine fetal death, late spontaneous abortion.

In the third trimester of pregnancy bleeding is always indicative of pathology of gestation. Usually spotting is a consequence of placenta previa, its premature detachment. In the latter case, there is a real danger to the life of the fetus. The most rare, but the most dangerous cause of bleeding in late pregnancy is uterine rupture (usually occurs with multiple pregnancies, large fetuses, polyhydramnios, and if there is a scar on the myometrium).

In the presence of benign neoplasms (polyps, mimoma), bleeding can occur at any stage of embryogenesis. Blood discharge is often observed in women suffering from cervical erosion. The likelihood of developing this pathological symptom increases with high physical exertion, too active sexual intercourse, the presence of cardiovascular pathologies, accompanied by a weakening of the endothelium.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bleeding during pregnancy may vary depending on the cause of bleeding. So, if bleeding is due to spontaneous miscarriage, then the pregnant woman may also be disturbed by pain in the lower abdomen, manifested in the form of spasms, deterioration in well-being and increased weakness. Dizziness, nausea, and a slight rise in body temperature may also occur. In this case, bleeding can have different intensity, and the discharge itself can be of a different color, from bright scarlet to crimson.

With placenta previa, a pregnant woman usually does not have any symptoms other than bleeding. Pain in most cases is not observed, and the tone of the myometrium is within the normal range. With placental abruption, a woman experiences severe pain, and there is also an increase in myometrial tone.

Methods of treatment

Treatment tactics for bleeding during pregnancy depends on the cause of bleeding from the genital tract, the amount of blood lost, the general condition of the patient and the fetus. If the bleeding is due to the natural physiological state of the woman, in the absence of pathological changes, then, as a rule, medical assistance in such cases is not required. It is recommended to comply with all previous doctor’s prescriptions, refrain from active sex life and increased physical activity. In some cases, hemostatic therapy may be indicated.

Similar recommendations are given in the presence of polyps, fibroids and erosion of the cervix, which caused bleeding during pregnancy. In such cases, expectant tactics are preferred. Cauterization of erosion is carried out after the birth of the child. In rare, exceptional cases, qualified gynecologists recommend removing polyps during pregnancy.

Bleeding during pregnancy, which occurred against the background of placenta previa or due to the threat of spontaneous abortion, requires emergency hospitalization of the woman in an obstetric hospital and further drug therapy under the constant supervision of doctors. In order to reduce uterine tone, tocolytics, sedative drugs are prescribed. With threatening abortions in obstetric practice, antispasmodics, coagulants and progesterone preparations are used. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are also successfully used: electroanalgesia, endonasal galvanization. After normalization of the condition, the patient goes home and must observe the prescribed bed rest and complete sexual rest for a certain time. The introduction of pregnancy in such cases takes place under the close supervision of specialists.

In some cases, bleeding during pregnancy requires surgical procedures. We are talking about the following situations:

• miscarriage , completed spontaneous abortion – in this case, surgical removal of the remnants of fetal tissues is indicated.
• attachment of the ovum outside the uterine cavity . An emergency removal of the fetal egg is carried out. The method used to stop bleeding can be different, which depends primarily on the woman’s well-being and the intensity of bloody discharge. In case of massive blood loss, ligation of the uterine arteries is indicated.
• placental abruption . In moderate and severe forms of pathology, operative delivery (caesarean section) is indicated. After extraction of the fetus and subsequent separation of the placenta, clots are removed and, if necessary, in the presence of pronounced changes in the uterus, a hysterectomy is performed.
• isthymic-cervical insufficiency . During surgery, sutures are placed on the cervix to prevent its premature opening. Surgery is performed at less than 28 weeks’ gestation, and stitches are removed at 37 weeks. After surgical treatment, drug therapy based on hormonal drugs is indicated.

After the operation, the woman is prescribed a course of antibiotics to prevent the development of an infectious process. Also obligatory for compliance with the condition of postoperative rehabilitation is the observance of sexual rest and the requirements of personal hygiene.

Prognosis and prevention

Bleeding during pregnancy in most cases is characterized by a favorable prognosis. Timely qualified medical care ensures the preservation of the life of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Lethal outcome is extremely rare.

Preventive measures come down, first of all, to carrying out preconception preparation for conception. So, a woman should undergo a comprehensive examination, which allows timely identification and treatment of pathologies that can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. This is especially true of benign neoplasms, which can cause bleeding.

Along with this, a woman is recommended to register in the early stages of pregnancy and undergo all examinations and tests prescribed by a gynecologist. In the event of complications in early pregnancy (for example, bloody spotting, uterine tone), complex treatment is necessary, including hormone therapy, sedatives, bed rest, sexual rest and a special diet. It also follows:

• avoid stressful situations, emotional overstrain;
• exclude high physical activity;
• to eat properly and in a balanced way;
• give up bad habits;
• take vitamin complexes prescribed by a doctor;
• avoid violent sexual intercourse.

In severe pregnancy, bed rest and minimal physical activity are recommended to prevent bleeding.

Pregnancy and menstruation | Kotex®

Expert Comment
Gynecologist Anastasia Degteva

“There are women who have scanty bleeding from the genital tract during pregnancy around the same dates when they expect menstruation. Therefore, when changing the nature of menstruation, it is so important to do a pregnancy test or take a blood test for hCG.

If you know that you are pregnant, then the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract at any stage of pregnancy and in any amount is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.”

The question “Am I pregnant?” probably occurred at least once in the vast majority of heterosexual women who are sexually active.

Although the absence of periods is the most noticeable early symptom of pregnancy, many women have many questions when it comes to whether menstruation is possible during pregnancy.

Is it possible to have periods during pregnancy?

No, they can’t. If you have periods, it means that you are not pregnant.

Menstruation occurs only if the monthly egg that comes out of the ovaries has not been fertilized.

If the egg is not fertilized, it leaves the uterus and is excreted along with the menstrual blood through the vagina. If you notice spotting during pregnancy, you should contact your doctor immediately, as this may be a sign of pregnancy complications. Remember that menstruation does not occur during pregnancy.

The difference from pregnancy seems obvious at first glance, because during pregnancy there are no periods, and if you are not pregnant and in reproductive age, then you have periods.

But some women have doubts about this, which are related to the fact that about 20-30% of pregnant women have irregular spotting, which in essence is not menstruation and differs from it: most often they have light pink or brown shade and not so abundant. Sometimes women confuse them with menstruation if they occur around the same time that menstruation is expected.

• normal menstrual bleeding is light at first and then increases, and the blood becomes more saturated red

• normal menstrual bleeding becomes less intense towards the end of menstruation, the color also becomes less intense

What can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?

Bloody discharge during pregnancy can be associated with many factors, each of which is a reason to urgently visit a doctor to rule out pathology.

Main causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy:

• bleeding after attachment of the egg to the wall of the uterus

• signs of threatened miscarriage

• infections

• ectopic pregnancy

Many women who experience this light bleeding go on to have normal pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies, but in about a third the bleeding becomes more intense over time and eventually miscarries.

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine at home what caused such bleeding, so whenever such light bleeding occurs during pregnancy, you should consult your gynecologist for advice to rule out the possibility of pathology.

Important: If you are pregnant and have bleeding that becomes more intense and does not stop, accompanied by pain in the abdomen and lower back, you should immediately consult a doctor.

When do periods start after pregnancy?

Both after caesarean section and after vaginal delivery, women experience vaginal bleeding.

In the first weeks after childbirth, the blood may clot and be more intense than normal periods, but then they become brown, light red and finally whitish.

This discharge is called lochia and usually lasts no more than 45 days after vaginal delivery and up to 60 days in women after caesarean section. Lochia begins immediately after childbirth, and menstruation occurs only when the level of the hormone prolactin in the woman’s body drops, which causes the appearance of breast milk.

If you are not breastfeeding, your periods usually return 6-8 weeks after delivery.

If you are breastfeeding, you may not have your period for as long as you are breastfeeding your baby.

During lochia, it is recommended to use pads rather than
tampons.

Abortion and menses

Many questions about menstruation also arise in women who have experienced an unplanned pregnancy and have decided to have an abortion.

How this procedure will affect the body depends on many factors, primarily on whether the abortion was medical or surgical. Bleeding after an abortion is normal, but in the truest sense of the word, menstruation is not.

Medical abortion

During a medical abortion, the doctor gives you two pills.

Usually, the first tablet is taken under the supervision of a doctor, in the clinic. After taking this pill, the endometrium of the uterus, to which the fertilized egg is attached, ceases to thicken, and pregnancy can no longer develop. Some women begin to bleed at this point.

The woman then leaves the clinic and takes the second pill at home. After taking it, the endometrium begins to separate from the walls of the uterus and exit through the vagina. Such bleeding usually begins 0.5-4 hours after taking the pill. Usually, at 4-5 hours of bleeding, it becomes more intense, then its intensity decreases, and it becomes similar to normal menstruation.

Surgical abortion

In the case of a surgical abortion, bleeding may begin immediately after the procedure, but in some women it begins after 3-5 days. Usually such bleeding is weaker than normal menstruation. Bleeding may stop or last until the next menstruation.

How long does bleeding last after an abortion?

Bleeding after any type of abortion often lasts 1-2 weeks. Most often, after this period, it becomes quite insignificant, and in some women it completely disappears until the next menstruation.