Spotting for a week in early pregnancy

Early pregnancy changes can make the cervix bleed more easily, and mild spotting may follow sex or an examination. However, bleeding that continues for a week needs context: the amount, colour, pain, pregnancy test result, and estimated pregnancy stage all matter.

A clinician may assess for a threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infection, or a non-pregnancy source such as a cervical polyp or fibroid. Chlamydia can cause bleeding between periods or after sex. Spotting is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it cannot show how a pregnancy is progressing by itself.

Contact a maternity service, GP, or other pregnancy-care professional and describe the full week of bleeding. Record whether it is brown, pink, or red; whether it needs a pad; and whether there are cramps, one-sided pain, discharge, or fever. Use pads to monitor flow and avoid tampons while bleeding.

Ask whether you need serial pregnancy hormone testing, an ultrasound at the appropriate stage, or an examination. Keep a list of medicines and note the date of your last period. Information about [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/) may help you describe the pattern, although pregnancy bleeding needs pregnancy-specific advice.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, collapse, or significant dizziness. Obtain prompt medical advice for fever, worsening cramps, or bleeding that becomes brighter or heavier. These warning signs can accompany conditions requiring urgent assessment, including ectopic pregnancy or substantial blood loss.

Ask whether the bleeding pattern is compatible with your pregnancy stage, which tests are needed, and how results will be followed. Clarify the exact symptoms that require emergency care and who to contact outside office hours. Mention prior ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pelvic infection, procedures, or fertility treatment if relevant.