Description
Hemorrhage during pregnancy may be caused by many things, including injury to the uterus, bleeding from retention of the placenta, clotting disorders, toxemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia / eclampsia), placenta previa, uterine rupture, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or placental abruption. It may be life threatening for the mother and unborn baby.
Symptoms
Bleeding, dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to monitor the loss of blood, the cause of bleeding to prepare for possible blood transfusion are usually performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Type and screen, Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests to monitor the loss of blood, the cause of bleeding to prepare for possible blood transfusion are usually performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR), Type and screen, Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
The goal of therapy is to stop the bleeding, determine its cause, ensure the mother and baby remain healthy, and, if necessary, replace the lost blood. Treatment may include blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, and close fetal and maternal monitoring.