What Should I Do If Bleeding Occurs After an Internal Examination During the 39th Week of Pregnancy?
Bleeding during pregnancy can be a very serious situation for women. In the early stages of pregnancy, excessive bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage. Bleeding in the later stages of pregnancy may indicate fetal development issues or premature labor. What should a woman do if she experiences bleeding after a pelvic examination during the 39th week of pregnancy? Bleeding after internal examination is a common occurrence, and if the bleeding is heavy, immediate medical attention is required.
Regardless of whether it occurs in the early stages or any other stage of pregnancy, any bleeding symptoms should be reported to a doctor. Typically, mild bleeding is not considered a serious issue. However, bright red or fresh blood, especially accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping, should prompt immediate medical attention as it may be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy, such bleeding may also indicate placental issues. If vaginal bleeding occurs, medical attention must be sought promptly. The doctor will first assess the amount of bleeding, measure blood pressure and pulse, and determine if immediate hospitalization is necessary. The doctor will then inquire about relevant information such as the last menstrual date, menstrual regularity, the presence of morning sickness and breast tenderness, and the presence of lower abdominal pain. Further physical examination and initial diagnosis will be made. If necessary, ultrasound examination and blood tests for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or progesterone may be arranged to help diagnose whether it is a normal intrauterine pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy.
There are several reasons for bleeding during pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage and preterm birth. These reasons include fetal developmental issues, endocrine disorders in the mother, infections, mental stress, trauma, and sexual intercourse. Early miscarriages (before 16 weeks) are almost entirely due to defects in the fertilized egg, resulting in abnormal fetal development, which is often unavoidable. Late miscarriages are more often caused by factors related to the mother. Preterm birth can also be accompanied by vaginal bleeding.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, such as in the fallopian tubes or other locations. This type of pregnancy cannot develop fully and often results in miscarriage and vaginal bleeding.
Hydatidiform mole, also known as molar pregnancy, occurs when the villous tissue that forms the placenta becomes abnormal and proliferates excessively, forming grape-like cysts. It is often accompanied by intermittent vaginal bleeding and severe morning sickness, with the uterus being larger than expected for the gestational age. Diagnosis can be confirmed if white, transparent, grape-like cysts are expelled. As this condition can turn into choriocarcinoma, immediate hospitalization is required upon discovery.
Chorionic epithelioma is a malignant tumor of the female reproductive system with a high degree of malignancy. It can metastasize to the brain, lungs, liver, and external genitalia in the early stages, causing irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding. If not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.
