Spotting at 15 weeks pregnant: what to know

Spotting at 15 weeks pregnant should be reported to your maternity team, especially if it is new, recurrent, or accompanied by pain. Light blood loss can come from the cervix, which may be more sensitive during pregnancy, but bleeding can also relate to infection, changes around the placenta, or another pregnancy concern. Contact your obstetrician, midwife, or maternity assessment service for advice rather than trying to identify the cause from colour alone.

Spotting means a small amount of blood noticed on toilet paper, underwear, or a liner. Pink, red, or brown staining can occur after cervical irritation, including after sex or an examination. Vaginal infection may cause bleeding with unusual discharge, burning, pelvic discomfort, or pain during sex; Chlamydia is one condition that can affect the cervix. Less commonly, bleeding can signal a problem involving the pregnancy, so even mild bleeding deserves personalised advice at this stage.

The amount, timing, colour, and associated symptoms help a clinician decide what assessment is needed. They may ask about cramps, fluid leakage, fever, dizziness, recent sex, and your blood group, then arrange an examination or ultrasound when appropriate.

Use a pad or liner so you can observe the amount; avoid tampons while bleeding. Note when it began, whether it is increasing, and whether clots, cramps, discharge, or fluid are present. Until you have spoken with your maternity team, avoid sex if it brings on bleeding or discomfort. Keep your pregnancy records available and follow the assessment plan you are given. Do not take medication for cramps without checking that it is suitable in pregnancy.

Seek urgent maternity or emergency care if bleeding becomes heavy, you have severe or persistent abdominal pain, shoulder pain, faintness, marked dizziness, fever, or fluid leaking from the vagina. Get prompt advice for repeated bleeding, bright-red bleeding, clots, or pain with urination. If you feel suddenly very unwell, call emergency services. These warning signs need assessment because the urgency depends on your symptoms and pregnancy history, not simply on how common a cause may be.

Ask what might explain the bleeding in your situation, whether you need an examination or ultrasound, and which changes should prompt immediate return. You can also ask whether your blood group affects the care plan, whether you should avoid sex or exercise temporarily, and how to contact the maternity service outside normal hours.