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When to see a doctor
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's important to report any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy to your health care provider. Be prepared to describe how much blood you passed, what it looked like, and whether it included any clots or tissue.
First trimester
During the first trimester (weeks one through 12):
- Tell your health care provider at your next prenatal visit if you have spotting or light vaginal bleeding that goes away within a day
- Contact your health care provider within 24 hours if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a day
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding, pass tissue from your vagina, or experience any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever or chills
Second trimester
During the second trimester (weeks 13 through 24):
- Contact your health care provider the same day if you have light vaginal bleeding that goes away within a few hours
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than a few hours
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, fever, chills or contractions
Third trimester
During the third trimester (weeks 25 through 40):
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have any amount of vaginal bleeding before 37 weeks
- Contact your health care provider immediately if you have vaginal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain
In the final weeks of pregnancy, remember that a bloody show — a thick or stringy discharge that may be tinged with blood — is a normal sign of impending labor.
References
- Norwitz ER, et al. Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 28, 2010.
- Garner EI. Gestational trophoblastic disease: Management of hydatidiform mole. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 28, 2010.
- Lockwood CJ. Pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 28, 2010.
- Bleeding during pregnancy. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp038.cfm. Accessed Dec. 28, 2010.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 4, 2011.
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