Heavy bleeding while pregnant: what to know

Bleeding in pregnancy can have different explanations, including changes at the cervix, a problem with the pregnancy, or a pregnancy outside the uterus. The amount and colour of blood do not reliably identify the cause. Heavy bleeding may also cause weakness or anaemia. Conditions such as fibroids can coexist with pregnancy, but they do not explain every episode of bleeding. A healthcare professional needs the pregnancy stage, symptoms, and examination to assess you.

Contact your maternity service, obstetric clinician, or urgent care service as soon as you notice heavy bleeding. Use a pad so you can describe the flow, and note clots, pain, dizziness, fever, or tissue. Do not insert anything into the vagina while waiting for advice. Keep your pregnancy details and medicines available, and do not drive yourself if you feel faint or weak.

Call emergency services for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, confusion, or bleeding that rapidly soaks pads. Emergency assessment is also needed if you feel pale, weak, or short of breath with the bleeding. These signs can indicate significant blood loss or a pregnancy complication and should not be monitored at home.

Ask what assessment is needed, whether ultrasound or blood testing is appropriate, which medicines you should avoid, and who to contact if the bleeding changes overnight.