Is spotting normal in pregnancy?

Spotting usually describes a small amount of blood noticed on toilet paper or underwear rather than bleeding that soaks a pad. It may look pink, brown or red. Possible explanations include changes to the cervix, irritation after sex or an examination, and other pregnancy-related causes. The same symptom can also occur with problems that need prompt care, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, when the spotting began, its colour, whether it is increasing, and whether cramps, one-sided pain, dizziness, fever or unusual discharge are present. Pregnancy bleeding is separate from routine bleeding between periods; the symptom is described further in [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/).

Contact your maternity team, obstetrician or an urgent care service for advice. Use a pad so you can observe the amount, and note the time, colour and any clots. Avoid putting anything in the vagina until a clinician advises you, and mention recent sex, examination, injury, medicines and your blood group if known. Do not self-diagnose from the amount of spotting.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, pain focused on one side, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. Get prompt advice for bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, especially if you have had a previous pregnancy complication or are beyond the early weeks. Emergency symptoms need immediate local emergency help.

Ask what may be causing the spotting, whether you need an examination or ultrasound, which symptoms should send you to emergency care, and whether you should change activity, sex or medicines while it settles.