What if I have spotting during pregnancy?

Light staining can arise when the cervix is sensitive, including after sex or an examination. Early pregnancy bleeding can also occur for reasons that cannot be identified from appearance alone. Bleeding in the middle or later part of pregnancy has different possible causes, including changes involving the cervix, placenta, or labour, so timing matters.

Spotting is different from heavier bleeding, but a small amount can still deserve advice. The colour may change from pink to brown as blood takes longer to leave the body; colour by itself does not show whether the pregnancy is safe.

Call your maternity team and describe when the spotting began, how much there is, its colour, and whether you have cramps, pain, contractions, fluid leakage, fever, or reduced fetal movement. Wear a pad to monitor it, avoid tampons, and keep any appointment or assessment they arrange.

Go to urgent maternity care for heavy or worsening bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, fluid leakage, fever, dizziness, fainting, or reduced fetal movement. If you are later in pregnancy, do not wait for spotting to stop before reporting it.

Ask whether you need an examination or ultrasound, what activity is appropriate until the bleeding settles, and which symptoms should trigger an immediate return to hospital.