Bleeding during pregnancy

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. It's common, however, and it isn't always a sign of trouble. Most women who experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy — particularly during the first trimester (weeks one through 12) — go on to deliver healthy babies.

Still, it's important to take vaginal bleeding during pregnancy seriously. Sometimes vaginal bleeding during pregnancy indicates an impending miscarriage or a problem that needs prompt treatment. By understanding the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, you'll know what to look for — and when to contact your health care provider.

References
  1. Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  2. Garner EI. Management of hydatidiform mole. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  3. Lockwood CJ, et al. Management of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  4. Lockwood CJ. Pathogenesis of preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  5. Tulandi T, et al. Spontaneous abortion: Risk factors, etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  6. Johnson JR, et al. Cervical insufficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  7. Ananth CV, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of placental abruption. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  8. Tulandi T. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  9. Berghella V. Repeat cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  10. Chiang JW, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  11. Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp038.cfm. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
  12. Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 16, 2009.

MY00628

June 9, 2009

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger