Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy

Alternative names:

maternal blood loss; pregnancy - vaginal bleeding

Definition:

Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

Considerations:

Up to 10% of women have vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy. Bleeding is even more common with twins.

To help prevent a miscarriage or other bleeding problems during pregnancy, avoid smoking, drugs of any kind, and alcohol. Eat a well balanced diet, and obtain regular medical checkups.

Common causes:

Vaginal bleeding during the first 3 months of pregnancy may be an indication of a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage). See the doctor immediately.

Vaginal bleeding during the 4th to 9th month of pregnancy may be caused by a miscarriage but may also be an indication of abnormal location of the placenta, such as placenta previa or abruptio placentae.

An ectopic pregnancy is where pregnancy develops outside the uterus. It is often accompanied by unexpected vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain. Ectopic pregnancy is sometimes associated with current use of an IUD.

A cervical infection can cause bleeding at any time, including during pregnancy.

Trauma to the cervix from intercourse may cause a small amount of bleeding.

Early labor is sometimes accompanied by a small amount of bleeding (bloody show) .

Note: There may be other causes of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial