ABSTRACT
Background: Vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy is an alarming event. As it is estimated that approximately one fifth of pregnancies are accompanied by vaginal bleeding, The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between second and third trimester vaginal bleeding and the outcome of pregnancy. Methods: This prospective cohort study population comprises of 150 pregnant women who were booked at the antenatal clinics and presented with complaints of bleeding or spotting per-vaginum in the second and third trimester. These patients were on continuous follow up till their final outcome of pregnancy. Results: Out of 100 cases of second trimester bleeding per vaginum, pregnancy continued in 84 cases. Subjects of second trimester with vaginal bleeding have been clinically diagnosed with threatened abortion in 84% patients, missed abortion (08%) followed by incomplete (06%) and complete (02%) abortion. Placenta previa was the leading cause of the vaginal bleeding both in second and third trimester vaginal bleeding subjects 26% and 21%. Forty-eight second trimester cases and 26% of third trimester cases had repeated episode of bleeding. The vaginal and caesarean delivery rate (majority of them were at term) were 33%, 51% and 36%,64% respectively in cases of second & third trimester bleeding groups. Conclusion: The overall prognosis of the patients who present in second and third trimester with history of bleeding per vaginum is favorable. At the same time physicians should be aware of the adverse outcomes that are associated with second and third trimester bleeding and remain alert for signs of these complications