Spotting while pregnant

Light spotting may occur when the cervix is more sensitive, including after sex or an examination. Infection, including Chlamydia, can also cause bleeding or discharge. In early pregnancy, bleeding can occur with normal ongoing pregnancy, but it can also accompany miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Later bleeding has different possible causes and needs maternity assessment. Conditions such as Cervical Dysplasia, Cervical Cancer, Endometrial Polyps, Uterine Fibroids, or Womb Cancer are not diagnosed from spotting alone, and pregnancy-related causes must be considered first.

Record the colour, amount, start time, whether it followed sex, and any cramps, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, fever, or fluid leakage. Tell the maternity team how far along the pregnancy is and whether you know your blood group.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent medical service for advice, even if the spotting is light and has stopped. Use a pad rather than a tampon to observe the amount. Avoid sex until you have received advice if bleeding continues or pain is present. Do not take medicines for pain or bleeding without checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Keep your antenatal information available when you call.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. Get immediate advice for bleeding with fluid leakage, contractions, reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy, or any concern that symptoms are worsening. These signs require prompt assessment rather than home monitoring.

Ask whether you need an examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or infection testing. Confirm which service to call if bleeding returns, whether you should avoid sex or activity for now, and which warning signs should take you straight to emergency care.