I am bleeding!

Bleeding in pregnancy is not normal except for a small amount with mucous heralding the onset of labour (called a show).

In early pregnancy bleeding is usually due to threatened miscarriage and is covered in question on 'Miscarriage".

In more advanced pregnancy it is commonly due to rupture of a vessel at the edge of the placenta(marginal haemorrhage), a degree of placental separation (placental abruption or abruptio placentae) or the placenta being low lying (placenta praevia).

What can be done?

Contact me (Dr Sykes) or the Labour Ward / Birth Unit midwife (if advanced pregnancy).

You will be asked to attend Labour Ward / Birth Unit to assess the cause and to check your well being and your baby's well being. What they happens is determined by the findings. The options range from going home to urgent delivery.