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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Pregnancy and Childbirth

Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy

Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the treatments for the condition?

Not all vaginal bleeding in pregnancy needs treatment. If bleeding occurs but a miscarriage or early delivery does not take place, observation is all that is needed. Treatment for other causes is as follows:

  • blood transfusions in the event of severe blood loss
  • C-section delivery of the baby
  • D&C to remove retained tissue in the uterus after a miscarriage or molar pregnancy
  • medicines, such as ritodrine, to stop premature labor
  • methotrexate to treat very small ectopic pregnancies
  • surgery to remove tissue growing in abnormal locations.
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Blood transfusions carry the risk of infection and allergic reactions. All medicines have side effects, such as allergic reactions and stomach upset.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    The aftereffects of vaginal bleeding depend on the underlying cause. Women with bleeding often have pregnancies that continue without further problems. In the event of a miscarriage, a woman may be advised by her healthcare provider to wait 3 to 4 months before attempting another pregnancy.

    If premature labor is halted, medicines to relax the uterus may be needed to extend the pregnancy beyond the 36th week. If significant blood loss has occurred, iron and vitamin pills may be recommended to help regain health. Counseling or other supportive therapy might be helpful to relieve distress related to conditions such as miscarriage.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Monitoring depends on the cause of bleeding. In some cases, it may consist of a wait-and-see approach. Repeat pregnancy ultrasounds or blood tests may be used.

    Women with molar pregnancies need careful monitoring, as molar pregnancies can recur. When a molar pregnancy comes back, small cells from the placenta can spread to other organs like cancer. Chemotherapy may be needed for a person with recurrent molar pregnancy.

    Any additional episodes of vaginal bleeding should be promptly evaluated by the healthcare provider. New or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


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    Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy: Attribution

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 07/31/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009