What Causes Vaginal Bleeding In Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 2-3 weeks pregnant. 3 positive tests, one taken just know. But have had a 'period' for the last 24hours. Not just brown spotting. Looks like menstrual blood. Am I losing the pregnancy? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
GET A PELVIC SCAN URGENTLY.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Fresh XXXXXXX bleeding resembling a proper period does indicate a high risk of a miscarriage.
When was your last menstrual period ?
I would ask you to visit the ER immediately and get a pelvic transvaginal ultrasound scan done.
That would document if the baby is doing well, or if you are indeed having a miscarriage.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (2 hours later)

Hi, thank you for the response. My last period was 19th April. I've looked at a few websites and I'm confused.

If I was having a miscarriage, would a pregnancy test be positive? If so, how long before a test would show as negative?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Post a miscarriage, a urine pregnancy test can stay positive even upto 4 weeks.
What documents a miscarriage is clinical examination and an ultrasound scan.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (5 hours later)

Thank you. I have been to A&E, I'm having a 'threatened' miscarriage, but not miscarried as yet. Scan not until 9th XXXXXXX Long wait ahead...

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Nobody can differentiate between a 'threatened' miscarriage and an actual miscarriage without an ultrasound scan. How did they diagnose this?

Meanwhile, take proper medications - folic acid and progesterone. These are a must in this situation.
Rest a lot.
Avoid jerks, travelling long distance and coitus.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad