Bleeding in early pregnancy
Bleeding and pain during early pregnancy are relatively common symptoms and do not always mean there is a problem.
You may require emergency care if:
- you are in significant pain despite simple pain killers such as Paracetamol
- Experiencing moderate to severe vaginal bleeding
The below guide may help you to assess your bleeding:
Severe bleeding
Means you are soaking through your usual pads each hour for 2 or more hours. For most women, soaking through their usual pads every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered severe. You may have a gush of blood or pass a clot, but if the bleeding stops, it is not considered severe.
Moderate bleeding
Means that you are soaking more than 1 pad in 3 hours.
Mild bleeding
Means that you are soaking less than 1 pad in more than 3 hours.
Minimal bleeding
Means "spotting" or a few drops of blood.
Bleeding in later pregnancy (Less than 20 weeks)
If you are over 12 weeks and 6 days pregnant, and less than 20 weeks please contact the EPAU for advice during our opening hours as soon as possible. While pain and bleeding is unlikely to be a sign of a problem, at this stage of pregnancy you may require some extra tests or treatment and we will need to assess your Blood Group. If your bleeding is moderate to severe or you are in significant pain you should contact us immediately for further advice.