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 Vaginal bleeding in pregnancyConsiderations: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. 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. Home Care: For a threatened miscarriage , follow the doctor's orders. Bed rest is often enough to stabilize the pregnancy . Medication is usually not necessary. Don't take any medication without consulting the doctor. Avoid sexual intercourse until the outcome is known. Drink only fluids if the bleeding and cramping is severe. If a miscarriage occurs, expect a small amount of vaginal bleeding for up to 10 days. Avoid using tampons for 2 to 4 weeks. Wait through 2 or 3 normal menstrual cycles before attempting to become pregnant again. For vaginal bleeding caused by placenta problems, get to the hospital immediately. Bed rest in the hospital, at least until bleeding stops, is mandatory and Cesarean section is likely if it is close to the delivery date. For bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy , surgery to remove the growing fertilized ovum and control internal bleeding is likely to be needed. Call Your Healthcare Provider If:
The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.
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