Pregnancy symptom spotting: what to know

Spotting is light bleeding from the vagina, often seen on toilet paper or underwear. It can occur after cervical irritation, including sex or an examination, and may happen with changes in early pregnancy. Bleeding can also accompany miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infection or another condition affecting the cervix or womb. Spotting is a symptom, not a diagnosis; its colour, timing, amount and accompanying symptoms help a clinician assess it.

Use a pad so you can observe the amount and colour, and record when it began. Avoid tampons while bleeding. Tell your maternity team whether you have cramps, one-sided pain, dizziness, fever, unusual discharge or pain when urinating. A pregnancy test, examination, blood tests or ultrasound may be considered depending on your stage of pregnancy and symptoms. Do not self-diagnose from spotting alone.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. Reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy also needs prompt contact with your maternity unit. Even light spotting should be reported if it keeps returning, follows sex, or occurs with pain, because assessment can identify problems that need treatment.

Ask which symptoms should trigger emergency care, whether you need an examination or ultrasound, and how to monitor bleeding at home. You can also ask when normal activities and sex are safe for you.