Vaginal bleeding associated with pregnancy

Bleeding in the antepartum and immediate postpartum periods can herald life-threatening events to mothers and fetuses. Increased uterine and placental perfusion requires that physicians assess, diagnose, and initiate treatment for life-threatening symptoms immediately and then identify the cause of the bleeding and treat it accordingly. Physicians who deliver infants should be aware of the causes and risk factors for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Appropriate and timely diagnosis and intervention must be done to decrease the risk for maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.