Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  • Has bleeding occurred before during this pregnancy?
  • When did the bleeding begin?
  • Has it been constant since the beginning of the pregnancy?
  • How far along is the pregnancy?
• Quality
  • How much bleeding is present?
  • Is cramping present?
• Aggravating factors
  • Has there been an injury such as a fall?
  • Have there been changes in physical activity?
  • Has there been additional stress?
  • Did the bleeding occur during or after sexual intercourse?
• Relieving factors
  • Does rest reduce or stop the bleeding?
• Other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there a known illness?
  • Are there cramps?
  • Is there other abdominal pain?
  • Is there weakness or increased fatigue?
  • Is there fainting or dizziness?
  • Is there nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  • Are there changes in urination?
  • Are there changes in bowel movements?
• Additional important information
  • Is there an IUD in place?
  • What medications are being taken?
  • Have you had previous problems during pregnancy?
  • Has there been recent vaginal penetration during sexual activity?
  • Has there been a change or increase in physical activities?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound of the abdomen or pregnancy ultrasound

Intervention:
If there is a miscarriage, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection, and blood transfusions may be ordered if there is severe blood loss.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to vaginal bleeding in pregnancy to your personal medical record.