GuidelinesPrimary Care STG
Antepartum Haemorrhage
Description General measures Medicine treatment Referral O46.0/O46.8-9 DESCRIPTION Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy from 22 weeks' gestation. Important causes include the following: abruptio placentae placenta praevia uterine rupture (particularly when misoprostol was used to attempt an unlawful TOP) GENERAL MEASURES Monitor vital parameters, e.g. Hb, pulse, BP, temperature. Treat for shock if
O46.0/O46.8-9
DESCRIPTION
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy from 22 weeks' gestation.
Important causes include the following:
- abruptio placentae
- placenta praevia
- uterine rupture (particularly when misoprostol was used to attempt an unlawful TOP)
GENERAL MEASURES
- Monitor vital parameters, e.g. Hb, pulse, BP, temperature.
- Treat for shock if indicated.
Avoid digital vaginal examination, unless placenta praevia excluded with ultrasound.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Sodium chloride 0.9%, IV.
REFERRAL
Urgent
All patients.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2025-9_Version 1.0_26 March 2026
Chapter 6: Obstetrics and Gynaecology_6.2.2 Antepartum Haemorrhage