Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran

Abstract Background Vaginal bleeding (VB) as a common pregnancy problem affects approximately one fourth of pregnancies and leads to abortion in 50% of cases. The occurrence of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy heightens the probability of experiencing diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. The existin...

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Main Authors: Mina Tahmasebifard, Sima Afrashte, Mahmoud Hajipour, Behnam Zamani, Shahab Rezaeian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07324-6
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author Mina Tahmasebifard
Sima Afrashte
Mahmoud Hajipour
Behnam Zamani
Shahab Rezaeian
author_facet Mina Tahmasebifard
Sima Afrashte
Mahmoud Hajipour
Behnam Zamani
Shahab Rezaeian
author_sort Mina Tahmasebifard
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Vaginal bleeding (VB) as a common pregnancy problem affects approximately one fourth of pregnancies and leads to abortion in 50% of cases. The occurrence of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy heightens the probability of experiencing diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. The existing scientific research regarding the relationship between vaginal bleeding and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Iranian women is restricted and presents conflicting findings. Consequently, this research examines the association of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and unfavorable outcomes in Iranian women. Methods This population based retrospective cohort study was conducted in 11 provinces of Iran. The necessary data were collected using the questionnaires and medical records from 3634 pregnant women. The association between vaginal bleeding and stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, premature membrane rupture of the membranes (PPROM), gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia was done using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results The prevalence of vaginal bleeding has a declining trend based on BMI and birth cohort of women. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the odds of low birth weight (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.04–2.24), PPROM (OR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.19–3.76), preterm birth (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.19–2.56), and stillbirth (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.59–2.77) are significantly higher in women who experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in compared to women who do not have vaginal bleeding. Conclusions Although a declining trend of vaginal bleeding was found, these findings indicate an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight due to VB. Educational interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes among high-risk women are suggested.
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spelling doaj-art-b876b5c4402f4d68a57ec6a619a11f782025-08-20T03:10:54ZengBMCBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth1471-23932025-02-012511810.1186/s12884-025-07324-6Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in IranMina Tahmasebifard0Sima Afrashte1Mahmoud Hajipour2Behnam Zamani3Shahab Rezaeian4Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical SciencesPediatric Gastroentrology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Research Institute for Children’s Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesInfectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background Vaginal bleeding (VB) as a common pregnancy problem affects approximately one fourth of pregnancies and leads to abortion in 50% of cases. The occurrence of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy heightens the probability of experiencing diverse adverse pregnancy outcomes. The existing scientific research regarding the relationship between vaginal bleeding and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Iranian women is restricted and presents conflicting findings. Consequently, this research examines the association of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and unfavorable outcomes in Iranian women. Methods This population based retrospective cohort study was conducted in 11 provinces of Iran. The necessary data were collected using the questionnaires and medical records from 3634 pregnant women. The association between vaginal bleeding and stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, premature membrane rupture of the membranes (PPROM), gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia was done using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results The prevalence of vaginal bleeding has a declining trend based on BMI and birth cohort of women. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the odds of low birth weight (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.04–2.24), PPROM (OR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.19–3.76), preterm birth (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.19–2.56), and stillbirth (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.59–2.77) are significantly higher in women who experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy in compared to women who do not have vaginal bleeding. Conclusions Although a declining trend of vaginal bleeding was found, these findings indicate an increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight due to VB. Educational interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes among high-risk women are suggested.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07324-6Vaginal bleedingStillbirthPreterm birthWomen
spellingShingle Mina Tahmasebifard
Sima Afrashte
Mahmoud Hajipour
Behnam Zamani
Shahab Rezaeian
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Vaginal bleeding
Stillbirth
Preterm birth
Women
title Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
title_full Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
title_fullStr Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
title_full_unstemmed Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
title_short Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study in Iran
title_sort vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes a nationwide population based retrospective cohort study in iran
topic Vaginal bleeding
Stillbirth
Preterm birth
Women
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07324-6
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