Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy is abnormal. Near the end of pregnancy, two conditions that may cause bleeding are placenta previa and placental abruption.

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix. This can cause bleeding as the cervix starts to dilate before the onset of labor.

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery.

Both of these conditions demand prompt evaluation, usually 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 (C-section) is very common with both of these diagnoses. In cases of complete placenta previa, a C-section is almost always necessary. Occasionally, when the placental abruption occurs with the cervix completely dilated, a vaginal delivery is possible.