Is spotting normal during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and you see blood down below, it can be scary. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong with your pregnancy. Many women experience some bleeding during pregnancy, and most of them go on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. If you’re only noticing light spotting, it’s probably nothing to worry about. 

Light spotting is usually caused by one of the following

Implantation

Pregnant women may experience implantation bleeding, which is usually lighter and shorter than a regular period. It occurs when the embryo implants in the uterus. This can happen around 5-10 days after conception. Spotting may last for a few hours to a few days and is usually pink or brown in colour. There is no need to worry if you experience implantation bleeding.

Intercourse

If you’re pregnant and notice light bleeding after intercourse or an internal pelvic examination, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal. Your cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy due to engorged blood vessels, and can sometimes become irritated, leading to slight bleeding. Although this is common and can happen at any point during your pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to mention it to your midwife or OBGYN, just to be on the safe side.

Infection

You may experience some spotting due to an infection of the vagina or cervix. However, this should go away once you receive treatment for the infection.

Could it be something serious?

Sometimes, mostly during the first trimester of pregnancy, spotting or bleeding could be a sign of something more serious happening.

Miscarriage – is a frightening and devastating event for any woman. Almost all women who miscarry have bleeding or spotting before the miscarriage. 

Ectopic Pregnancy –  it means that the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside of the uterus and is growing there. This isn’t something that can result in the birth of a healthy baby, and it can cause some serious, dangerous problems for you as the mother. Please get in touch with your doctor right away so they can help you through this.

Molar Pregnancy – This is when a mass of tissue forms inside the womb, instead of a baby. Molar pregnancy is rare, but if you have one, it’s important to get treatment right away

What is the difference between spotting and bleeding?

Spotting is usually just a few drops of blood on your underwear, whereas bleeding is when the blood flow is heavier and you’ll need to use a panty liner or pad to keep it from soaking through your underwear and clothes. If you’re bleeding heavily, or if the bleeding is accompanied by pain, cramping or any other unusual symptoms, be sure to contact your midwife or OBGYN right away.

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