Doctor's Notes on Bleeding During Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy is fairly common, occurring in up to 20% of pregnancies. In most cases, vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is not a cause for concern. Implantation bleeding is light bleeding that occurs at the time of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining. Other causes for early bleeding in pregnancy are changes in the cervix and vaginal infections.
In some cases, vaginal bleeding can be a sign of a serious problem such as impending miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms associated with a miscarriage may include abdominal or back pain. Abdominal or pelvic pain is also a symptom associated with ectopic pregnancy. If a vaginal infection is the cause of bleeding during pregnancy, a vaginal discharge may be present.
It is appropriate to seek medical advice any time you experience bleeding during pregnancy.
What Is the Treatment for Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Treatment for vaginal bleeding in pregnancy varies depending on the cause of the bleeding.
- Minor bleeding early in the pregnancy may not require any treatment.
- Antibiotics are used to treat infections associated with bleeding.
- Bleeding due to miscarriage is sometimes managed by medications or a minor surgical procedure if heavy bleeding is present.
- An ectopic pregnancy is commonly treated by a medication, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
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Eclampsia
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Ectopic Pregnancy
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Miscarriage
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Placenta Previa in Pregnancy
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Threatened Miscarriage
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Vaginal Bleeding (Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods)
In women, abnormal vaginal bleeding when is when they are not on their period (menstruation). Symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of your period include red blood on the underwear or pajamas, pelvic or abdominal pain, and excessive pain from menstruating, or if you are pregnant. Causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding include unbalanced hormones, during pregnancy, after trauma, uterine fibroids, menopause, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Treatment for abnormal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding. -
What's the Difference Between Mucus Plug and Bloody Show?
While a woman is pregnant, a mucus plug acts as a barrier and blocks the opening to the uterus (the cervix) to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Bloody show sounds dramatic, but it’s a normal part of pregnancy that describes a discharge of both mucus and blood that occurs right before labor. "Bloody show" may include the mucus plug, but is not a synonym for "mucus plug."
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.