Please note: The information on this page is general and in no way replaces consultation with a health professional. Whereas every effort is made to ensure accuracy and relevance this in no way replaces seeing a Health Professional.
Please Contact Us to help us assist you.
Please Contact Us to help us assist you.
Bleeding in Pregnancy
Bleeding in pregnancy can be a cause for much concern, if not distress but it is important to note that 1:4 pregnancies encounter this and many pregnancies continue without issue.
If the bleeding is a symptom of an impending miscarriage, there is no treatment or therapy that can stop the miscarriage from occurring. Irrespective of this it is still important to see Dr. Petrina or your chosen doctor . This is essential if your bleeding is heavy with large clots and accompanied by crampy pains you may need urgent care and should attend an Emergency department as well as contacting Petrina or your chosen health care professional if appropriate. If necessary or concerned you may need to contact 000.
In most cases bleeding is not so dramatic and then you could contact Dr. Petrina, your chosen health professional and or make an appointment with your General Practitioner or Early Pregnancy Assessment Service.
If miscarriage is confirmed please see Information Miscarriage and Loss page.
Bleeding in pregnancy can be a cause for much concern, if not distress but it is important to note that 1:4 pregnancies encounter this and many pregnancies continue without issue.
If the bleeding is a symptom of an impending miscarriage, there is no treatment or therapy that can stop the miscarriage from occurring. Irrespective of this it is still important to see Dr. Petrina or your chosen doctor . This is essential if your bleeding is heavy with large clots and accompanied by crampy pains you may need urgent care and should attend an Emergency department as well as contacting Petrina or your chosen health care professional if appropriate. If necessary or concerned you may need to contact 000.
In most cases bleeding is not so dramatic and then you could contact Dr. Petrina, your chosen health professional and or make an appointment with your General Practitioner or Early Pregnancy Assessment Service.
If miscarriage is confirmed please see Information Miscarriage and Loss page.
Ectopic Pregnancy.
Sometimes bleeding and pain can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy is growing outside the uterus - usually in the fallopian tube. One to two percent of all pregnancies are ectopic and without treatment an ectopic pregnancy can seriously impact on your health and fertility. If you experience severe pain, it is very important to see your chosen health professional or Emergency Department.
Sometimes bleeding and pain can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy is growing outside the uterus - usually in the fallopian tube. One to two percent of all pregnancies are ectopic and without treatment an ectopic pregnancy can seriously impact on your health and fertility. If you experience severe pain, it is very important to see your chosen health professional or Emergency Department.
Bleeding in Pregnancy. Other Causes.
Often, a cause will not be found and the pregnancy will continue normally. Sometimes a blood clot seen on ultrasound will suggest that there has been some bleeding around the pregnancy sac, this is sometimes referred to as implantation bleeding. Other causes, which have nothing to do with pregnancy, may also need to be considered; such as, benign polyps, infection or changes in the cervix. If bleeding continues or recurs after a normal pregnancy scan, it is important that you are examined for other possible causes. Early bleeding that does not lead to miscarriage will not have caused your baby any harm.
Often, a cause will not be found and the pregnancy will continue normally. Sometimes a blood clot seen on ultrasound will suggest that there has been some bleeding around the pregnancy sac, this is sometimes referred to as implantation bleeding. Other causes, which have nothing to do with pregnancy, may also need to be considered; such as, benign polyps, infection or changes in the cervix. If bleeding continues or recurs after a normal pregnancy scan, it is important that you are examined for other possible causes. Early bleeding that does not lead to miscarriage will not have caused your baby any harm.
Tests for bleeding in early pregnancy
Petrina or your other health professional may offer the following tests.
An internal examination/ Vaginal examination (V.E.) may be requested to see if:
• the uterus is the size we would expect given your stage
of pregnancy
• there is any cause for pain
• there is any visible cause for bleeding such as infection or an open cervix.
Further tests may be needed to investigate infection.
Ultrasound
If you have been bleeding in pregnancy you will usually be offered a vaginal ultrasound
because it will offer the best possible view of your pregnancy.The vaginal ultrasound is a narrow probe which is put inside the vagina. It will feel similar to an internal examination and is quite safe. From about six weeks of pregnancy the baby’s heart beat can usually be seen on ultrasound. Before six weeks, an ultrasound is unlikely to give
a definite answer, but may be helpful if there is concern that your
pregnancy is ectopic.
Blood tests
Blood tests are done to measure if the pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy (based on the time of your last period). Often the test has to be repeated to check whether the hormone levels are rising normally.
You may also need a blood test to check your blood group and if you have had a history of miscarriages in the past there may be tests for certain potentially associated conditions.
Petrina or your other health professional may offer the following tests.
An internal examination/ Vaginal examination (V.E.) may be requested to see if:
• the uterus is the size we would expect given your stage
of pregnancy
• there is any cause for pain
• there is any visible cause for bleeding such as infection or an open cervix.
Further tests may be needed to investigate infection.
Ultrasound
If you have been bleeding in pregnancy you will usually be offered a vaginal ultrasound
because it will offer the best possible view of your pregnancy.The vaginal ultrasound is a narrow probe which is put inside the vagina. It will feel similar to an internal examination and is quite safe. From about six weeks of pregnancy the baby’s heart beat can usually be seen on ultrasound. Before six weeks, an ultrasound is unlikely to give
a definite answer, but may be helpful if there is concern that your
pregnancy is ectopic.
Blood tests
Blood tests are done to measure if the pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy (based on the time of your last period). Often the test has to be repeated to check whether the hormone levels are rising normally.
You may also need a blood test to check your blood group and if you have had a history of miscarriages in the past there may be tests for certain potentially associated conditions.
What should I do while waiting for results?
You should go to your nearest Emergency Department if you experience:
- Try, as much as possible, to rest and relax.
- Continue, as much as you are able, to do your usual day to day activities, including work if you wish. Usual activity, that is not too strenuous, will not be harmful.
- If you have pain you can take paracetamol (such as Panadolor Panadeine) according to instructions on the packet.
- Many authorities advise avoiding tampon use during or after a miscarriage or threatened miscarriage. This is because of a possible risk of infection, although tampons have not been proven to cause infection in this situation.
- Most people prefer to avoid sex if there is pain or bleeding. Once bleeding settles, it’s OK to have sex if you feel comfortable. People often feel anxious about having sex in these circumstances, but we do not believe that it will make any difference to the risk of miscarriage.
- If the tests are inconclusive, it is possible that a miscarriage may occur while you are waiting for further tests. If you experience heavy bleeding with clots and crampy pain, it is likely that you are having a miscarriage. The bleeding, clots and pain will usually settle when most of the pregnancy tissue has been passed. Sometimes the bleeding will continue to be heavy and you may need further treatment. You should see a doctor or go to an emergency department for a check-up if you think you are having or have had a miscarriage.
You should go to your nearest Emergency Department if you experience:
- heavier bleeding, for instance soaking two pads per hour and/or passing golf ball sized clots
- severe abdominal pain or shoulder pain
- fever or chills
- dizziness or fainting
- unusual smelling vaginal discharge.
Who should I contact for help?
Contact Dr. Petrina Phone, message
General contact options
• Your GP
• Community health service
• Nearest emergency department
• Nearest early pregnancy assessment service
• Nurse on call - 1300 60 60 24
Contact Dr. Petrina Phone, message
General contact options
• Your GP
• Community health service
• Nearest emergency department
• Nearest early pregnancy assessment service
• Nurse on call - 1300 60 60 24
A Note on unplanned, and or undecided about Pregnancy.
For some woman, early Pain and bleeding may be how they find out they are pregnant
When you find out about an unplanned pregnancy, you may experience feelings ranging from shock and excitement, through to grief and anxiety.
It’s important to remember that you have options.
A family planning specialist or counselling service can provide up-to-date information and advice to help you address your feelings and concerns, know your rights and make a fully informed decision to either:
continue a pregnancy independently or with a partner
continue a pregnancy with the intention of giving the child up for adoption or foster care
terminate a pregnancy by abortion.
Find a service
There are services available that can help you explore and resolve issues relating to your:
feelings toward parenthood and children
short- and long-term goals
health and wellbeing
financial situation
religious beliefs
relationships
moral values.
Family planning advice and counselling services can be accessed through:
If without GP find a doctor in your area
True Relationships & Reproductive Health
Women’s Health Queensland.
You can also access information and advice from:
Children by choice—phone 1800 177 725
Pregnancy Birth and Baby—phone 1800 882 436
13 HEALTH--13 43 25 84
Lifeline—phone 13 11 14.
For some woman, early Pain and bleeding may be how they find out they are pregnant
When you find out about an unplanned pregnancy, you may experience feelings ranging from shock and excitement, through to grief and anxiety.
It’s important to remember that you have options.
A family planning specialist or counselling service can provide up-to-date information and advice to help you address your feelings and concerns, know your rights and make a fully informed decision to either:
continue a pregnancy independently or with a partner
continue a pregnancy with the intention of giving the child up for adoption or foster care
terminate a pregnancy by abortion.
Find a service
There are services available that can help you explore and resolve issues relating to your:
feelings toward parenthood and children
short- and long-term goals
health and wellbeing
financial situation
religious beliefs
relationships
moral values.
Family planning advice and counselling services can be accessed through:
If without GP find a doctor in your area
True Relationships & Reproductive Health
Women’s Health Queensland.
You can also access information and advice from:
Children by choice—phone 1800 177 725
Pregnancy Birth and Baby—phone 1800 882 436
13 HEALTH--13 43 25 84
Lifeline—phone 13 11 14.
