What should you know about random spotting during pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes the cervix and can make it bleed after sex or an examination. Infection, including Chlamydia, may also cause bleeding with discharge or pelvic discomfort. Bleeding can sometimes signal a pregnancy-related complication, so the stage of pregnancy and associated symptoms matter. Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Polyps, Uterine Fibroids, and Womb Cancer are possible causes of bleeding in general, but they cannot be diagnosed from spotting alone and are not the first assumption in every pregnancy.

Contact your maternity team or clinician and describe the colour, amount, start time, whether it followed sex, and any clots or tissue. Tell them how far along the pregnancy is, your blood group if known, and whether you have pain, dizziness, fever, or discharge. Use a pad so you can observe the bleeding, and follow the specific advice given. Do not insert anything into the vagina while waiting for guidance.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed if you pass clots or tissue, or if fetal movement later in pregnancy is reduced. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms occur.

Ask whether you need an examination, ultrasound, infection testing, or blood tests; what symptoms should bring you back urgently; and whether any activity should be paused until the bleeding settles.