ANTEPARTUM: FIRST-TRIMESTER VAGINAL BLEEDING
PROBLEM
Vaginal bleeding may occur in the first trimester of pregnancy. The amount of bleeding may range from spotting to a complete miscarriage.
CAUSE
Bleeding may occur for a variety of reasons, including smoking, trauma, or abnormal fetus.
PREVENTION
In most cases, the cause of vaginal bleeding may not be preventable. If bleeding is light, it may lessen or stop. You need to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and douches. If you smoke, it is highly recommended that you cut down or stop smoking altogether.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on the cause or suspected cause of your bleeding.
Activity:
A.Many women experience less bleeding and cramping while on limited activities. Unfortunately, activity restriction or bedrest do not prevent miscarriage.
B.Avoid sexual intercourse until at least 2 weeks after the bleeding has stopped, or until your provider tells you it is safe to resume.
C.Do not use tampons during this period of time. Use pads so that you can evaluate how much you are bleeding:
1.Scant amount: blood only on tissue when wiped or less than 1-inch stain on peri-pad.
2.Light amount: less than 4-inch stain on peri-pad.
3.Moderate amount: less than 6-inch stain on peri-pad.
4.Heavy amount: saturated peri-pad within 1 hour.
Diet: As tolerated. Eat a healthy diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, and bran cereal to avoid becoming constipated.
Medications: You may not be prescribed any medications.
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You develop a fever or chills with your bleeding.
B.You have a gush of blood from your vagina that is more than a period.
C.You pass blood clots or tissue from your vagina.
D.Your vaginal bleeding has a foul odor.
E.You experience abdominal pain or uterine cramping not relieved by taking acetaminophen.
F.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE