Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care now if bleeding is heavy, rapidly soaks a pad, or will not stop.

   Call emergency services if you feel faint, collapse, become short of breath, or are too unwell to travel safely.

   A single tiny spot that stops and is not accompanied by pain may not require emergency care.

   You should still inform your pregnancy care team and follow its advice.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   You also need urgent assessment for bleeding with:

   • Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
   • Shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, weakness, or faintness
   • Regular contractions or significant pelvic pressure
   • Fever or feeling seriously unwell
   • Fluid leaking from the vagina
   • Reduced or absent baby movement once movements are established

   If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, contact your maternity unit promptly about fresh bleeding, even when it is light or painless.

   In early pregnancy, call the same day for red bleeding, repeated spotting, or bleeding with cramps.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate only if the bleeding has settled, you feel well, and a clinician has confirmed that waiting is safe.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.