Bleeding During Pregnancy/OB

Bleeding During Pregnancy/OB (bleeding that occurs during early, mid or late pregnancy that may compromise the health of the fetus)

Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Vaginal bleeding with signs of shock: cool sweaty skin, visual disturbances or change in mental state, disorientation or loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat or difficulty breathing
Heavy bleeding with or without clots/tissue passed occurring during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Lower abdominal pain (may be constant, dull or intermittent), with any of the following: shoulder pain, dizziness, weakness or faintness, mild or heavy bleeding, urge to move bowels
Bright red bleeding with or without lower abdominal cramping or pressure
Rigid or tender abdomen that does not relax, decreased or no fetal movement, with or without signs of shock
Trauma to the abdomen
Less than 36 weeks pregnant, cramping or contractions, pink tinged discharge or gush/leaking of fluid
Known placenta previa

Yes No

Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.

Women's Health - Did You Know?

using 2 pads or more an hour is considered heavy bleeding and less than 1 pad an hour is mild bleeding

causes of bleeding during early pregnancy include tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, miscarriage and molar pregnancy

during mid to late pregnancy bleeding may be caused by low-lying placenta (placenta previa) premature separation of placenta (abruptio placenta) and impending delivery

bleeding may be absent with premature separation of placenta due to a concealed blood clot but severe abdominal pain and feeling boardlike will be present

a blood tinged mucus discharge may be passed in late pregnancy as the cervix readies itself for impending labor

Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

small amount bleeding with or without clots/tissue during first 12 weeks of pregnancy
persistent brownish bleeding in early pregnancy
painless vaginal spotting resembling a light period
history of previous tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, mild bleeding or cramping
spotting after sexual intercourse

Yes No

Contact Your Health Care Provider.

Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:

while awaiting transport to emergency room:
lie flat with legs raised and keep warm
do not eat or drink anything until told it is ok to do so
save pads that contain clots or tissue
contact Health Care Provider for any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, only self manage after consultation
refrain from sexual intercourse if any spotting/bleeding
bedrest for 1-2 days if spotting
limit activity and gradually increase once spotting/bleeding has stopped
monitor number of pads used

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Call Your Health Care Provider If:

You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions.