How to stop bleeding during pregnancy first trimester

Light spotting can happen for several reasons, but bleeding may also accompany miscarriage, changes around the cervix, or an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and can become an emergency, particularly when bleeding occurs with one-sided lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting. The amount or colour of blood cannot confirm the cause by itself.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent medical service and describe when the bleeding began, its colour, how quickly pads are becoming wet, and whether you have pain. Use a pad rather than a tampon so the amount can be observed. Avoid putting anything into the vagina until you have received advice, and do not start medicines or supplements to stop the bleeding unless prescribed for you. Assessment may include examination, blood tests, and ultrasound.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, or feeling very unwell. These symptoms need urgent evaluation for significant blood loss or ectopic pregnancy.

Ask what tests are needed, when you should repeat them, whether you need anti-D treatment based on your blood group, and which symptoms mean you should return immediately.