Vaginal Bleeding in PregnancySymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is any discharge of blood from the vagina during pregnancy.
Pregnancy - vaginal bleeding; Maternal blood loss - vaginal
Up to 1 in 4 women have vaginal bleeding at some time during their pregnancy. Bleeding is more common in the first 3 months (first trimester), especially with twins.
A small amount of light spotting or bleeding may be noted 10 to 14 days after conception. This spotting results from the fertilized egg attaching itself to the lining of the uterus. Assuming it is light and does not last very long, this finding is most often nothing to be concerned about.
During the first 3 months, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Contact your health care provider right away.
Vaginal bleeding may also be due to a collection of blood between the uterus and the placenta (subchorionic hematoma). In this situation, the pregnancy can often continue.
During months 4 to 9, bleeding may be a sign of:
- The placenta separating from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born (abruptio placentae)
- Miscarriage
- The placenta covering all or part of the opening to the cervix (placenta previa)
- The baby's blood vessels exposed across or near the internal opening of the uterus (vasa previa)
Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy:
- Cervical polyp or growth
- Early labor (bloody show)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infection of the cervix
- Trauma to the cervix from intercourse (small amount of bleeding) or recent pelvic exam
Avoid sexual intercourse until your provider tells you that it is safe to start having intercourse again.
Consume only fluids if the bleeding and cramping are severe.
You may need to cut down your activity or be put on bed rest at home. Your provider will talk to you about the specific kinds of activity changes you may need to make.
Medicine is not needed in most cases. DO NOT take any medicine without talking with your provider.
Also, talk to your provider about what to look for, such as the amount of bleeding and color of the blood.
Contact your provider if:
- You have any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Treat this as a potential emergency.
- You have vaginal bleeding and have placenta previa (get to the hospital right away).
- You have cramps or labor pains.
Your provider will take a medical history and perform a physical exam.
You will probably have a pelvic exam, or ultrasound as well.
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood tests
- Pregnancy ultrasound
- Ultrasound of the pelvis
You may be referred to a high risk pregnancy specialist (maternal fetal medicine specialist or perinatologist) for the duration of the pregnancy.
Office
Nicolas Saliba is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Saliba is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy, Angiomyoma, Uterine Fibroids, Neonatal Ovarian Cyst, and Intrauterine Device Insertion. Dr. Saliba is currently accepting new patients.
Diana Health
Jaswinder Chadda is an Obstetrics and Gynecologist practicing medicine in Allen, Texas. Dr. Chadda is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Vaginismus, Intrauterine Device Insertion, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Chadda is currently accepting new patients.
Germantown Health Center
Amy Miller is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Germantown, Wisconsin. Dr. Miller is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy. She is also highly rated in 54 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Miller is board certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Miller is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: March 17, 2026
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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