Patient-Friendly Summary of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria®: Second and Third Trimester Vaginal Bleeding

Abstract

Vaginal bleeding is less common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy than during the first trimester. There are many different causes for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Bleeding can be normal. In about half the cases, the reason for the bleeding is never found. However, the bleeding may be caused by something serious for either the mother or the baby. Imaging with ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine the reason for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.