Is spotting common in early pregnancy?

Spotting means light bleeding, often seen as pink, brown, or red marks on toilet paper or underwear. It may follow sex or an examination because the cervix is more sensitive in pregnancy. Some episodes settle without a clear cause, while bleeding can also accompany miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, infection, or a cervical problem. The symptom is a presentation of several possible conditions; it does not show which condition you have.

Use a pad or liner, note the amount and colour, and record cramps, dizziness, discharge, or urinary symptoms. Contact your maternity clinician, particularly if the pregnancy has not been confirmed in the uterus, bleeding returns, or you are unsure how much is present. Depending on your symptoms, assessment may include an examination, blood tests, or ultrasound.

Seek emergency care for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or feeling weak and unwell. Urgency depends on warning symptoms and your overall condition, not on whether light spotting can occur in early pregnancy.

Ask what cause is being considered, whether you need repeat testing or an ultrasound, whether you should avoid sex or strenuous activity, and how to contact the team outside normal hours.