Early pregnancy bleeding

Early pregnancy bleeding refers to bleeding before 24 weeks of gestational age. Complications may include hemorrhagic shock. Concerns are increased in those who have had a loss of consciousness, are short of breath, or have pain in their shoulder. Early pregnancy bleeding refers to bleeding before 24 weeks of gestational age. Complications may include hemorrhagic shock. Concerns are increased in those who have had a loss of consciousness, are short of breath, or have pain in their shoulder. Common causes include ectopic pregnancy and threatened miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur before 12 weeks gestation age. Other causes include implantation bleeding, gestational trophoblastic disease, polyps, and cervical cancer. Tests to determine the underlying cause usually include a speculum examination, ultrasound, and hCG. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If tissue is seen at the cervical opening it should be removed. In those in who the pregnancy is in the uterus and who have fetal heart sounds, watchful waiting is generally appropriate. Anti-D immune globulin is usually recommended in those who are Rh-negative. Occasionally surgery is required. About 30% of women have bleeding in the first trimester (0 to 12 weeks gestational age). Bleeding in the second trimester (12 to 24 weeks gestational age) is less common. About 15% of women who realize they are pregnant have a miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy occur in under 2% of pregnancies.