Overview

Causes

During pregnancy, common causes of vaginal bleeding are:

  • The egg attaches to the wall of the womb
  • Blood between the membrane that surrounds the fertilized egg and the wall of the womb
  • An egg attaches to the wall of the womb but does not grow

During pregnancy, common causes of vaginal bleeding are:

  • Implantation bleeding—bleeding that happens after conception when the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the womb
  • Placental abruption—Blood between the membrane that surrounds the fertilized egg and the wall of the womb
  • Miscarriage
  • Blighted ovum—A fertilized egg that attaches to the wall of the womb but does not grow into an embryo
  • Ectopic pregnancy—a fertilized egg that grows outside the womb
  • Molar pregnancy (gestational trophoblastic disease)—the growth of abnormal tissue, instead of an embryo, inside the womb
  • Threatened miscarriage
  • Infection of the cervix, vulva, or vagina
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Trauma
  • Cervical cancer or polyps

Risk Factors

Things that raise the risk of bleeding depend on what is causing it to happen.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Signs of early pregnancy bleeding may be blood that appears in underwear. The blood may also be noticed when a person pees or passes stool (poop). The amount of blood and the way the blood looks will depend on the cause.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A pelvic exam may also be done.

Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels.

The doctor may want to view the belly and vagina. This can be done with an ultrasound.

Treatments

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the bleeding. Bleeding due to egg and womb attachment should clear in a few days. Bleeding due to pregnancy problems will need to be watched. Bed rest and medicine may also be needed. If bleeding is due to cancer or growths, treatment may include surgery.

Prevention

Some causes of bleeding cannot be prevented. Getting early and regular pregnancy care can help find and treat some problems before they happen.

Avoiding smoking, drugs, and alcohol can also help reduce the risk of bleeding.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.