About this topic
Vaginal bleeding when pregnant is common for many women. Bleeding happens more often during the first 3 months. You may have spotty bleeding or your bleeding may be light to very heavy. You may also pass blood clots. Many things may cause you to bleed while you are pregnant. The problem may be minor or a sign of something more serious problem. Bleeding may be a sign there is a problem with your baby. Call your doctor if you have bleeding at any time when you are pregnant. ‚
What are the causes?
You may have a small amount of bleeding when the egg implants into the lining of the womb. While you are pregnant you may also have bleeding from things like: ‚
- Sexual relations
- Having an exam like a Pap test or internal exam
- A vaginal or yeast infection
- Cervical polyp
You may have a problem with your pregnancy that causes you to bleed. You may have: ‚
- A problem with the placenta
- Preterm labor
- An egg that implants outside the womb. Doctors call this an ectopic pregnancy.
- A mass that is not a baby forms in the womb. Doctors call this is a molar pregnancy.
- A miscarriage
What can make this more likely to happen?
You may be more likely to have bleeding if you have been pregnant before and had problems. You may be more at risk if you are older than 35. Some health problems, like high blood pressure or sickle cell anemia, may cause bleeding. If you are carrying more than one baby, your risk is higher. Using cocaine may make bleeding more likely to happen. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will want to know how much bleeding you have had. Also, tell the doctor when the bleeding started and what color the blood is. The doctor may listen to the babys heartbeat and also order tests like: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment is based on the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may suggest: ‚
- Rest. You may need to be on full bedrest or even stay in the hospital.
- Fewer activities
- Avoiding sex
- Keeping a record of your bleeding
- I.V. fluids or a blood transfusion
- Drugs
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Stop labor
- Help with pain
What problems could happen?
Miscarriage ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep in close contact with your doctor, especially if you have had other pregnancies with bleeding problems.
- Avoid smoking and use of illegal drugs.
- Keep health problems like high blood pressure under control.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Pregnancy_bleeding_problems ‚
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/complications_spotting.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/vaginal-bleeding-pregnant.aspx#close ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚