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 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 much more serious. 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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says you need to do.
- Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex until your doctor says you can.
- Get lots of rest. Follow your doctors orders about how often you may be out of bed.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Stop labor
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to stay in bed for a while. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, foul smelling discharge.
- Bleeding with belly pain or cramps
- Heavy bleeding with or without pain
- Bleeding that lasts longer than a day
- Feeling faint or dizzy
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, bleeding, belly pain, or feel faint or dizzy.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚