Pink spotting during pregnancy: what to do

Pregnancy increases blood flow to the cervix, which can make light bleeding occur after sex or an examination. Spotting can also accompany changes in early pregnancy, infection, or problems that need urgent assessment. The colour and small amount do not establish whether a pregnancy is progressing normally. Chlamydia and other infections may cause bleeding with discharge, burning, or pelvic discomfort. Cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer are less common explanations but can present with abnormal bleeding; a symptom alone does not diagnose them.

Tell the clinician how many weeks pregnant you are, when the spotting started, whether it is pink, red, or brown, and whether you have cramps, one-sided pain, shoulder pain, fever, dizziness, or fluid leakage. They may recommend an examination, blood tests, urine testing, or ultrasound depending on your situation.

Contact your maternity team or obstetric clinician for personalised advice. Wear a pad or liner so you can observe changes, and avoid tampons or vaginal douching. Rest if you feel unwell, but do not assume bed rest treats the cause. Keep a record of bleeding and symptoms, and mention your blood group if you know it. Do not stop prescribed medicines without checking first.

Go to urgent care immediately for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, severe dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding with fluid leakage, contractions, or reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy. These signs can require time-sensitive evaluation; do not wait for the spotting to change colour.

Ask what level of bleeding requires a hospital visit, whether you need an ultrasound or infection test, whether sex or exercise should be avoided temporarily, and how to contact the maternity team outside clinic hours.