Red spotting at 5 weeks pregnant: what to know

Light spotting early in pregnancy may follow changes around the cervix or occur for reasons that do not threaten the pregnancy. It can also occur with an early pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy, which can be dangerous even when bleeding is light. Colour alone cannot tell you the cause.

A clinician considers the bleeding pattern, pregnancy dates, pain, previous history, and blood group. Fibroids or polyps can affect bleeding, while infections such as chlamydia may cause cervical bleeding. These possibilities require assessment rather than assumption.

Contact your maternity service, doctor, or urgent care service for advice about any early-pregnancy bleeding. Note colour, amount, clots, start time, and pain. Use a pad rather than a tampon so the amount is easier to observe, and avoid sex until advised if it brings on bleeding or pain.

Assessment can include examination, pregnancy hormone blood tests, and ultrasound when appropriate for the dates. Keep a medicine list and pregnancy history available.

Go to emergency care for severe or one-sided lower-abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, heavy bleeding, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Seek prompt advice for continuing spotting, cramps, fever, or unusual discharge.

Ask what bleeding should trigger emergency care, whether you need blood tests or ultrasound, and how to contact the service if symptoms change. Tell them your last period date, pregnancy test result, and whether pain is one-sided.