What should you know about continuous bleeding during pregnancy?

Light spotting can occur when the cervix is more sensitive, including after sex or an examination. Bleeding may also accompany a threatened miscarriage or another pregnancy problem. Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency possibility, especially when bleeding occurs with one-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or faintness. The amount and colour of blood do not reliably identify the cause, so assessment may include an examination, pregnancy hormone tests, and ultrasound.

Contact your maternity team, obstetrician, or urgent-care service as soon as you notice ongoing bleeding. Use a pad to observe the amount and colour rather than a tampon, and note cramps, clots, pain, dizziness, fever, and when the bleeding began. Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, your blood group if known, and whether you have had sex, an examination, or a recent injury. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These symptoms can occur with ectopic pregnancy or significant blood loss and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask what assessment you need today, whether an ultrasound or blood tests are required, which symptoms mean emergency care, and whether you should change activity or avoid sex while bleeding continues.