What does early pregnancy spotting look like?

Spotting may show as a smear on toilet paper, a few spots on underwear, or light staining on a pad. Brown blood may be older blood; pink or red blood is fresher. Appearance cannot tell you whether the pregnancy is healthy or identify the cause. The cervix may bleed more easily after sex or an examination. Infection, cervical changes, or pregnancy complications can also cause bleeding. Bleeding Between Periods explains how clinicians describe bleeding outside an expected menstrual period.

Use a pad, not a tampon, while you observe the bleeding. Record the colour, amount, start time, clots, cramps, and any trigger such as sex. If pregnancy is not confirmed, take a pregnancy test according to its instructions. Arrange medical advice if bleeding continues, recurs, or follows a positive test. Keep track of your pain as well as the blood because the combination is more useful than appearance alone.

Get urgent help if bleeding is heavy or rapidly increasing, or if you have severe abdominal pain, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, fainting, fever, or marked weakness. Contact a maternity service promptly for any bleeding in a confirmed pregnancy that concerns you. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask whether the colour and amount fit your symptoms, whether an ultrasound or blood test is needed, and what change in flow should prompt urgent care. Mention your pregnancy test result, last period, pain, and any recent examination or sex.