Dark blood spotting during pregnancy

Bleeding may follow irritation of the cervix, including after sex or an examination. Infection, cervical changes, and pregnancy-related problems can also cause bleeding. Conditions such as fibroids or polyps may be relevant to your history, but pregnancy bleeding needs individual assessment. Cervical cancer can present with abnormal bleeding, yet spotting does not mean that cancer is the likely cause.

Contact your maternity service and describe when the spotting started, its colour and amount, whether it is increasing, and any pain or clots. Tell them how far along the pregnancy is, your blood group if known, and whether you have had sex, an examination, a fall, or a recent procedure. Use a pad to observe the bleeding; avoid tampons. Follow the advice about examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or infection testing.

Seek emergency care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, faintness, dizziness, heavy bleeding, large clots, fever, or feeling very unwell. Reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy also needs immediate maternity advice. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask what level of assessment is needed today, whether an ultrasound or blood test is appropriate, and what changes should prompt emergency care. Ask whether your cervix, infection status, blood group, or medicines affect the plan and when you should receive follow-up.