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Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy
Alternative Names: Pregnancy - vaginal bleeding; Maternal blood loss Home Care: Any bleeding during pregnancy should be evaluated by your health care provider. For a threatened miscarriage, follow the doctor's orders. Bed rest is often recommended 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. Text Continues Below 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 previa, get to the hospital immediately. Bed rest in the hospital, at least until bleeding stops, is mandatory, and a cesarean section is likely if it is close to the delivery date, or if the bleeding persists. For bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy, surgery or medical treatment to remove the growing embryo and control internal bleeding is likely to be needed. Vaginal or cervical infection is treated with antibiotics that are safe for a developing fetus. Call your health care provider if: There is any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, or go directly to the hospital. Treat this as an emergency! What to expect at your health care provider's office: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>