Light spotting when pregnant

Spotting is usually a small amount of blood noticed on wiping or underwear. A sensitive cervix, recent sex, an examination, vaginal infection, or early-pregnancy changes may cause it. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy can also involve bleeding, sometimes before other symptoms appear, so colour and amount cannot confirm the cause.

Assessment may include questions about dates, previous pregnancies, pain, discharge, fever, and medicines. The clinician may examine the cervix or arrange an ultrasound and blood tests. Chlamydia, Cervical Dysplasia, uterine fibroids, or other gynaecological conditions may be considered when the symptoms and examination support that line of enquiry.

Call your midwife, obstetrician, maternity unit, or early-pregnancy service. Describe when the spotting started, whether it followed sex or an examination, and whether it is changing. A pad can help you observe the amount; do not use tampons while waiting for advice. Keep a record of pain, clots, dizziness, discharge, and temperature if you feel unwell. Follow the care team’s instructions about activity and medicines.

Seek urgent care for heavy or worsening bleeding, severe abdominal pain, pain mainly on one side, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, significant dizziness, fever, or a sudden decline in how you feel. These warning signs require assessment even if spotting was initially minimal. If you are unsure how urgent your symptoms are, call your local emergency service or maternity triage line.

Ask whether your pregnancy needs an ultrasound, whether blood tests should be repeated, and exactly when to call back if the bleeding stops and then returns.