LATE PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

The only bleeding that normally occurs during late pregnancy is a very small amount ( 15 mL), with loss of the mucous plug prior to delivery. All other bleeding is abnormal and merits investigation. A useful list of the causes of third trimester bleeding is contained in Table 11-1. The health care provider must distinguish between obstetric and nonobstetric bleeding (the two major classifications). Nonobstetric causes are much less common in pregnancy and generally are less hazardous. Of the obstetric causes, various forms of placental bleeding account for the vast majority. The most frequent are placenta previa or premature...