Spotting and clots during pregnancy

Spotting is light bleeding, often seen as pink, red, or brown marks on toilet paper or underwear. It may come from the cervix, which can bleed more easily during pregnancy, including after sex or an examination. Clots are thicker pieces of blood or tissue; their size, colour, and whether they keep appearing matter to a clinician.

Bleeding can also occur with an infection, a problem affecting the pregnancy, or another condition of the reproductive tract. The bleeding itself cannot identify the cause, and light bleeding does not rule out a serious problem.

Contact your maternity team or obstetric clinician and describe when the bleeding began, its colour, how much you are seeing, and whether clots or tissue are present. Note cramps, one-sided pain, dizziness, fever, or shoulder pain. Use a pad so you can observe the amount; avoid tampons while bleeding.

Until you receive advice, rest if you feel unwell, avoid sex if it increases bleeding or pain, and do not take medicines unless a pregnancy clinician has advised that they are suitable. Keep any passed tissue only if your clinician asks you to.

Seek emergency care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Seek prompt same-day advice for any clot during pregnancy, repeated spotting, or bleeding with cramps, even if the bleeding later stops.

Ask what amount of bleeding should trigger a return visit, whether you need an examination or ultrasound, and whether your blood group affects the care you need. Ask how to monitor pain, clots, and pregnancy symptoms while waiting.