A research proposal concerning sonographic findings among pregnant women presenting with per-vaginal bleeding at health facilities in Arusha region

Abstract

Background

Vaginal bleeding has been noticed as the major problem experienced by pregnant women associated with consequences like abortions, preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine fetal deaths, intrauterine growth retardation and anemia in pregnant in East Africa. According to the records obtained, the study will provide the percentage (after data collection) of pregnant women returned to hospital for attendance to the antenatal care services complaining of Per-vaginal bleeding before their next recommended date of attendance.

Methodology

The purpose of the study is to determine the sonographic findings in pregnant women presenting with Per-vaginal bleeding referred for obstetric ultrasound scan at health facilities. The study is non-interventional, cross section, descriptive, and quantitative. The study will involve potential participants and it will be conducted for a certain period of time from health facilities in the region. An informed consent will be obtained from the participants before collecting data and confidentiality will be assured and maintained throughout the study.

Results

Majority of the respondents reported history of use of contraceptives, history of miscarriage, history of caesarian section and presence of vaginal infection alongside Per Vaginal bleeding. The major sonographic findings among pregnant women with vaginal bleeding are normal sonographic findings in threatened abortion but some seen with uterine fibroids, placenta Previa, incomplete abortion, molar pregnancy, inevitable abortion and vasa Previa.

Conclusions

Vaginal bleeding is common among pregnant women in the first trimester and threatened abortion is the major cause of vaginal bleeding among pregnant women. Any pregnant woman presenting with vaginal bleeding should have an early and timely ultrasound scan.