Final answer:
Late pregnancy bleeding can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Placenta previa is a common cause of such bleeding. These conditions pose significant risks to both the mother and the infant.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late stages of pregnancy, bleeding can be a symptom of several complications, including placenta previa, placental abruption, uterine rupture, and can lead to risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix and is a leading cause of antepartum hemorrhage, which is profuse vaginal bleeding after week 24 of pregnancy. Placental abruption refers to the separation of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus before birth, which can lead to severe bleeding. Uterine rupture is a life-threatening event where the uterine wall breaks open, often associated with a previous cesarean section or surgery on the uterus. All these conditions may lead to preterm birth, where the infant is born before 37 weeks of gestation, or low birth weight, defined as less than 2.5 kg (5.5 lb), both of which are associated with higher risks for the infant.