If pregnant, when does spotting occur?

Light pink or brown staining early in pregnancy may occur as the cervix changes or after an embryo attaches to the womb lining. Spotting can also follow sex or a vaginal examination because pregnancy increases blood flow to the cervix. Timing alone cannot identify the cause.

Bleeding later in pregnancy is not something to diagnose at home. It may involve the cervix, placenta, labour, or another pregnancy-related problem. Bleeding between periods outside pregnancy has other possible causes, including infection, fibroids, polyps, or changes in the womb lining. See the guide to [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/) for background.

Note the colour, amount, start time, and whether clots, pain, cramps, dizziness, fever, or fluid leakage are present. Use a pad so you can observe the bleeding; avoid tampons. Contact your maternity team or obstetric clinician for advice, even when the spotting is light, and follow their instructions about examination or testing.

Seek urgent maternity care for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder pain, faintness, marked weakness, fever, or fluid leaking. Later-pregnancy bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or contractions also needs prompt assessment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask: What might explain the timing and colour of this bleeding? Do I need an examination, ultrasound, blood test, or blood-group treatment? Which changes should make me return immediately?