women s health issues
Vaginal Bleeding During Late Pregnancy
Key Points
Usually, a small vaginal discharge of blood mixed with mucus (bloody show) signals the start of labor. The severity of the bleeding does not always indicate the seriousness of the cause. Ultrasonography is done to help doctors identify serious disorders that can cause bleeding during late pregnancy. A woman with bleeding during late pregnancy may be hospitalized so that she and her fetus can be monitored and treated as needed. If there is a large amount of bleeding, the woman may need to be given fluids intravenously or a blood transfusion. 