Third-trimester bleeding complicates about 3.8% of all pregnancies. Placenta previa is documented in 22% of cases, and strong evidence of abruptio placentae is found in 31%. In the remaining 47% of cases, the bleeding can be ascribed either to early labor (so-called marginal separation) or local lesions of the lower genital tract, or no source can be identified. Therefore, third-trimester bleeding ultimately proves to be of little consequence in about half the cases, but in the other half it is potentially life-threatening. Vaginal bleeding in the third-trimester is alarming to the pregnant woman and usually prompts immediate consultation with the physician.