I am spotting: am I pregnant?

Light bleeding may occur around a changing menstrual cycle, after sex, with contraception, or because of an infection or cervical irritation. Early pregnancy can also involve spotting, but the symptom is not enough to tell whether pregnancy is present or progressing normally. Bleeding can occur with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which needs prompt medical assessment.

If pregnancy is not present, causes such as Chlamydia, cervical cell changes, polyps, fibroids, or other womb conditions may be considered. Cervical cancer and womb cancer are less common explanations, but persistent or post-coital bleeding should be checked rather than attributed to pregnancy.

Take a home pregnancy test when your period is due or later, following the kit instructions. If the result is negative but your period does not arrive, repeat the test after a short interval or contact a clinician. Record the bleeding, pain, cycle date, contraception, and any pregnancy test result.

Contact a clinician for advice if you have a positive test with any bleeding, especially if you have not had an ultrasound or do not know how far along you may be. Do not rely on bleeding amount to judge whether a pregnancy is safe.

Seek urgent medical help for one-sided or severe pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, faintness, dizziness, weakness, or bleeding that is increasing. These symptoms can signal an ectopic pregnancy or significant blood loss, particularly when pregnancy is possible.

When should I test or repeat a pregnancy test? Do I need a blood test or ultrasound? Could an infection, contraception, or cervical or womb problem explain the spotting? Which warning signs require immediate help?