Bleeding During Pregnancy

Although miscarriage is less common in the second trimester than in the first, a risk still exists. As with first-trimester miscarriage, vaginal bleeding is the chief sign of miscarriage in mid-pregnancy. Report any bleeding during your second trimester to your doctor.

Report moderate to heavy bleeding during mid-pregnancy as soon as possible, because it may be a sign of one of the following problems:

* Miscarriage (if the bleeding happens before 20 weeks)
* Preterm labor (if the bleeding happens between 20 and 37 weeks)
* Problems with the placenta — conditions in which it lies too low in the uterus or begins to separate from the inner wall of the uterus before birth

If you have any pain or cramping with bleeding during pregnancy, immediately call your doctor or go to an emergency department.