Pregnancy symptoms and light spotting

Light spotting means a small amount of vaginal blood, rather than bleeding that soaks a pad. It may follow irritation of the cervix after sex or an examination, or occur with normal pregnancy changes. It can also be linked with miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infection, or a cervical or womb condition. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause. The stage of pregnancy, bleeding pattern and other symptoms guide assessment.

Wear a pad and note the colour, amount, start time and whether the spotting stops. Avoid tampons while it is happening. Contact your maternity team or pregnancy clinician, especially if spotting returns or comes with cramps. They may ask about your pregnancy dates and medical history and may arrange an examination, tests or an ultrasound. Follow the activity advice given to you rather than relying on online comparisons.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, severe dizziness, fever or feeling seriously unwell. Contact your maternity unit promptly if fetal movement is reduced later in pregnancy. Light spotting still deserves advice when it is persistent, recurrent or accompanied by pain, discharge or urinary symptoms.

Ask what amount of bleeding is concerning, where to go outside clinic hours, whether you need testing, and which activities to avoid while symptoms continue.