Some cases of bleeding during pregnancy may not be a serious matter. However, There are some bleedings to watch out for, for example antepartum bleeding which can cause the fetus to die in the womb.
Antepartum bleeding is bleeding through the vagina that occurs at more than 24 weeks of gestation. Antepartum bleeding is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment. If not followed up quickly, this bleeding can cause death for both the mother and the fetus.
In Indonesia alone, bleeding is one of the five main causes of maternal death in addition to hypertension in pregnancy, prolonged/obstructed labor, infection, and miscarriage. In 2013, 30.3% of maternal deaths in Indonesia were caused by bleeding.
Causes of Antepartum Bleeding
Medical experts continue to carry out various studies to find out the exact cause of the trigger for antepartum bleeding. However, until now, of all cases of antepartum bleeding, some were diagnosed due to placental tears, placenta previa, premature labor, and disorders of the cervix. However, statistically, about 50 percent of cases of antepartum bleeding cannot be identified, even though a thorough examination has been carried out.
Symptoms of Antepartum Bleeding to Watch Out for
The main symptom of antepartum bleeding is blood that comes out through the vagina. This bleeding may or may not be accompanied by pain. If accompanied by pain, the possibility of bleeding caused by a torn placenta. But if the opposite, most likely the cause is placenta previa.
Another sign of antepartum bleeding is the onset of uterine contractions. There may also be signs of hypovolemic shock in the mother due to excessive blood loss. Signs of shock include confusion, paleness, rapid breathing, cold sweats, reduced urine output or no urination at all, weakness, and fainting. Sometimes, for pregnant women who are fit and young, these signs are not visible and are only known when the situation has really worsened.
Do This If You Have Antepartum Bleeding
Do not take it lightly even though the blood that comes out is just a little. Because there is a possibility of severe bleeding that has not completely come out.
When there is heavy bleeding, the safety of the mother will always be the top priority. Decisions related to the birth of the baby must also wait until the mother's condition is stable.
Regarding the big or small category of bleeding, you can look at this picture to find out:
- Major bleeding, ie when the body loses more than 1000 ml of blood with or without signs of shock.
- Moderate bleeding is when the body loses 50-1000 ml of blood and is not accompanied by signs of shock.
- Minor bleeding is when the body loses less than 50 ml of blood and has stopped.
Another case when there is fetal distress. The appearance of this condition is an indication of a reduction in blood volume. This is an urgent situation, where the baby must be removed without the need to consider the age of the fetus.
Antepartum bleeding is a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible by a doctor. To replace blood and body fluids that come out of bleeding, the mother needs to receive fluid therapy and blood transfusions.
At a later stage, further treatment depends on the cause of the antepartum bleeding itself, the level of bleeding, fetal distress, condition and gestational age, and your medical history.
