I would like to begin a review of one of the most common complications of early pregnancy, vaginal bleeding. This is the number one reason why patients will have an emergency visit in the first trimester, and it is a cause of great anxiety to patients and their families. There are a few important facts you should be aware of:
- About 15% of recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage
- 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester
- Trauma, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and advanced maternal age increase the risk of first trimester bleeding
- 25% of pregnant women will report first trimester bleeding or spotting
- 8% of pregnant women report heavy vaginal bleeding
- Of the patients who report bleeding, 75% will have 1 episode, 20% will have 2 episodes, and 10% will have 3 or greater episodes
- The amount of bleeding is the most significant predictor of an impending miscarriage
- Again, advanced maternal age is a significant risk factor for first trimester bleeding and subsequent miscarriage; 50% of pregnancies in women over 40 result in a miscarriage, with abnormal chromosomes in the fetus being a primary factor
- For women under the age of 35, the rate of a spontaneous miscarriage is 2%.
-Dr. P
