Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy is abnormal. Near the end of pregnancy, there are two specific conditions that may complicate a pregnancy.

One such condition is placenta previa, a low placed placenta that bleeds as the cervix starts to dilate before the onset of labor. The other is a premature separation of the placenta, called placental abruption.

Both of these conditions demand prompt evaluation, primarily with sonography.

Is it possible to have a normal delivery with these conditions?

It depends on the condition of the woman and fetus at the time of diagnosis. Cesarean section is very common with both of these diagnoses, and in cases of complete placenta previa, a cesarean section is almost always necessary. Occasionally, when the placental abruption occurs with the cervix completely dilated, a vaginal delivery is possible.