Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) visits for vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy (VBEP).
Study design: We analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1993-2003. Cases presented with a complaint of vaginal bleeding and had diagnoses consistent with presentation during early pregnancy.
Results: Over the 11-year period, there were 5.4 million visits for VBEP, which represents 1.6% of all ED visits or almost 500,000 visits/year. ED visits for VBEP increased from 5.6-7.8 visits per 1000 US population (P for trend < .01). The population rates were highest in the 20-29 year age group. ED patients with VBEP were more likely to be black, Hispanic, and uninsured, as compared to women presenting for other reasons.
Conclusion: ED visits for VBEP are rising, particularly among younger and Hispanic women. Programs that ensure primary obstetric care would help decrease reliance on the ED for this important condition.