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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffVaginal 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.
Causes
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 Feb. 10, 2009.
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- Lockwood CJ, et al. Management of placenta previa. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Lockwood CJ. Pathogenesis of preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- 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.
- Johnson JR, et al. Cervical insufficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Ananth CV, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of placental abruption. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Tulandi T. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of ectopic pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Berghella V. Repeat cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Chiang JW, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Bleeding during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp038.cfm. Accessed Feb. 10, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 16, 2009.
