Brown spotting at 5 weeks pregnant

The colour alone cannot show whether the pregnancy is progressing normally. Note the amount, whether it is increasing, and whether pain or dizziness is present.

Blood becomes brown as it ages and oxidises, so a small brown mark may represent blood that took longer to leave the vagina. Early-pregnancy changes can make the cervix easier to irritate, including after sex or an examination. Bleeding can also accompany pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy, and appearance cannot distinguish these causes.

Spotting may show only when wiping or as a mark on underwear. Bleeding that becomes red, heavier, or is joined by cramps changes the clinical picture and should be reported promptly.

Contact your maternity service, obstetrician, or clinic and describe the spotting. Use a pad or liner rather than a tampon so you can monitor the flow. Record the colour, any clots or tissue, pain location, and whether symptoms are changing.

A clinician may review your dates and symptoms, arrange blood tests, or plan an ultrasound when it can answer the clinical question. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless the prescriber tells you to. If you know your blood group is Rh negative, mention it during the assessment.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain mainly on one side, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, weakness, heavy bleeding, or feeling acutely unwell. These warning signs need prompt assessment because internal bleeding or another urgent problem must be excluded.

Get timely clinical advice if spotting persists, returns, becomes fresh red bleeding, or is accompanied by fever, unpleasant-smelling discharge, burning when urinating, or pelvic discomfort.

Ask whether your symptoms need blood tests or an ultrasound, what changes should trigger emergency care, and whom to contact if the spotting continues. Also ask how your pregnancy dates affect what can be seen on a scan.