Avoid sexual intercourse until you know the cause of the bleeding. Drink only fluids if the bleeding and cramping are severe.

If a miscarriage occurs, expect a small amount of vaginal bleeding for up to 10 days. Avoid using tampons for 2 to 4 weeks.

Medication is usually not necessary -- don't take any medication without talking to your doctor.

Contact your health care provider if:

• There is a chance of miscarriage.
• You have any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Treat this as an emergency.
• You have vaginal bleeding caused by placenta previa (get to the hospital right away).

Your health care provider will get a medical history and will perform a physical examination.

The doctor may ask you the following questions:

• Time pattern
  • Have you had bleeding 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 are you bleeding?
  • Do you have cramping?
• Aggravating factors
  • Have you been injured, such as in a fall?
  • Have you had changes in physical activity?
  • Have you been under extra stress?
  • Did the bleeding occur during or after sexual intercourse?
• Relieving factors
  • Does rest reduce or stop the bleeding?
• Other
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Do you have an illness?
  • Do you have pain in your abdomen?
  • Are you weak or very tired?
  • Are you fainting or dizzy?
  • Do you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  • Are there changes in urination?
  • Are there changes in bowel movements?
• Other important information
  • Is there an IUD in place?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • Have you had previous problems during a pregnancy?
  • Have you had sexual intercourse recently?

The physical examination will probably include a pelvic examination.

Tests that may be performed include:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound of the abdomen or pregnancy ultrasound

Your doctor may recommend:

• For an infection of the vagina or cervix: antibiotics that are safe for the baby.
• For bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy: surgery or medical treatment to remove the growing embryo and control internal bleeding.
• For a miscarriage: antibiotics to fight infection, and blood transfusions for severe blood loss.
• For vaginal bleeding caused by placenta previa: bed rest in the hospital, at least until the bleeding stops. A cesarean section if it is close to the delivery date, or if the bleeding continues.