Spotting During the First Trimester

Spotting means light vaginal bleeding during the early weeks of pregnancy. Blood may be brown, pink, or red. Irritation of the cervix, including after sex or a pelvic examination, can cause light bleeding. Some people have spotting without a serious problem, while others need assessment for a pregnancy complication.

An infection or a condition affecting the cervix can also produce bleeding. The amount and colour do not reliably identify the cause. Clinicians may ask about pain, examine you, check pregnancy hormone levels, and arrange an ultrasound based on your symptoms and pregnancy timing.

Call your maternity service or clinician and explain that you are pregnant and spotting. Keep track of the start time, colour, flow, clots, cramps, and any pain on one side. Use a pad to monitor the bleeding and avoid inserting anything into the vagina until you have received individual advice.

Continue prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you otherwise, and ask before taking a new medicine. If an assessment is arranged, bring details of your pregnancy dates and any previous pregnancy history. Spotting that stops still deserves mention at your next review.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that is heavy or increasing, severe abdominal pain, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, pronounced dizziness, fever, or a pale and clammy feeling. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unsafe.

Ask how soon you should be examined, whether you need an ultrasound or blood tests, how to recognise worsening bleeding, and whether any activity or medicine should be avoided. Tell the clinician about your blood group if known and any recent procedures or infections.