Spotting in very early pregnancy

Very early pregnancy changes the cervix and its blood supply, so light bleeding can follow sex or an examination. Some bleeding has no clear explanation, while other bleeding may relate to a pregnancy that is not developing normally or an ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding colour and timing cannot distinguish these causes. Infection or a cervical condition can also cause bleeding, particularly when discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding after sex is present.

Use a pad or liner and note when spotting starts, how it changes, and whether cramps or other symptoms occur. Contact a pregnancy clinician for personalised advice. They may recommend an examination, pregnancy hormone testing, or ultrasound depending on how far along the pregnancy may be and whether its location is known.

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, heavy or increasing bleeding, fever, or a pale and weak feeling. Do not wait for spotting to become heavy if you feel seriously unwell.

Ask when to repeat a pregnancy test, whether an ultrasound is appropriate now, whether activity or sex should be limited, and exactly which bleeding or pain changes require emergency care.