Pregnant but spotting when your period is due

Light blood near an expected period may reflect cervical sensitivity, irritation or another source of bleeding; it is not a menstrual period if pregnancy has been confirmed. Pregnancy dates can also be uncertain when cycles vary. [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/) describes bleeding outside a usual cycle. [Endometrial Polyps](/conditions/endometrial-polyps/), [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/) and infection such as [Chlamydia](/conditions/chlamydia/) can present with abnormal bleeding, while [Cervical Dysplasia](/conditions/cervical-dysplasia/) or [Cervical Cancer](/conditions/cervical-cancer/) are less common but require medical assessment. None can be diagnosed from timing or spotting alone.

Tell your maternity clinician or doctor that you are pregnant and spotting near the expected period date. Record when it started, its colour and amount, whether it follows sex, and any cramps or discharge. Use a pad to observe the bleeding. Follow instructions about pregnancy testing, blood tests or ultrasound; do not begin treatment for infection or pain without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy.

Seek urgent help if bleeding becomes heavy, pain is severe or one-sided, you have shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever or feel very unwell. These symptoms may require immediate assessment for pregnancy complications. Contact your care team promptly if spotting continues or returns, even without severe pain.

Ask whether the bleeding pattern needs an examination or ultrasound, when to repeat a pregnancy test if dates are uncertain, and which changes should trigger emergency care. Ask whether your cycle history, previous pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy changes the plan.