What should I do if I'm experiencing bleeding at 10 weeks pregnant?

When to Seek Medical Care for Bleeding at 10 Weeks Pregnant

If you are experiencing bleeding at 10 weeks pregnant, you should go to the hospital immediately if the bleeding is heavy (soaking through a pad in an hour), accompanied by severe pain, or if you feel dizzy or faint, as these may indicate serious complications requiring urgent medical attention.

Assessment of Bleeding Severity and Associated Symptoms

• Bleeding in early pregnancy is common, affecting 20-40% of pregnant women during the first trimester 1
• The severity of bleeding provides important prognostic information:
  • Light spotting (not soaking a pad) may be monitored at home if no other concerning symptoms 1
  • Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour) requires immediate medical attention 2
  • Any bleeding with severe pain, especially if one-sided, requires immediate evaluation for possible ectopic pregnancy 1, 3

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour) 2
• Severe abdominal pain, especially if one-sided 1, 3
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting 4
• Fever or chills (suggesting possible infection) 5
• Passage of tissue 3

Causes of Bleeding at 10 Weeks

Bleeding at 10 weeks may be due to:

• Threatened miscarriage (most common cause) 1
• Ectopic pregnancy (life-threatening if ruptures) 1, 3
• Cervical causes (polyps, cervicitis) 2
• Subchorionic hematoma (blood collection between uterine wall and placenta) 3

What to Expect at the Hospital

When you seek medical care for bleeding at 10 weeks:

• Vital signs will be checked to assess for hemodynamic stability 4
• Blood tests will likely include:
  • Complete blood count to assess for anemia 4
  • Blood type and Rh factor (Rh-negative women need RhoGAM) 4
• Ultrasound evaluation will be performed to:
  • Confirm intrauterine pregnancy 2
  • Check for fetal cardiac activity 3
  • Rule out ectopic pregnancy 1, 3
  • Look for subchorionic hematoma or other causes 3

Special Considerations

• If you are Rh-negative, you will need anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) to prevent Rh sensitization 4
• For women with recurrent early pregnancy loss (three or more miscarriages before 10 weeks), screening for antiphospholipid antibodies is recommended 2, 6
• Digital pelvic examination should be avoided until placenta previa or other serious conditions are ruled out by ultrasound 2

Home Monitoring vs. Hospital Care

• You can monitor at home if:

  • Bleeding is light (spotting only)
  • No severe pain
  • No dizziness or other concerning symptoms 1, 5

• Seek immediate medical care if:

  • Bleeding increases in amount
  • Severe pain develops
  • You feel dizzy or faint 4, 5

Follow-up Care

• Even after evaluation, follow up with your prenatal provider within 1-2 days of any bleeding episode 5
• If bleeding resolves but recurs, seek medical evaluation again 1
• Continue taking prenatal vitamins and any prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise 5