Spotting during the first trimester

Light bleeding in early pregnancy may come from a sensitive cervix, including after sex, or from vaginal irritation. Chlamydia and other infections can cause bleeding with discharge, burning, or pelvic discomfort. Spotting can also accompany miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, particularly when cramps, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting occur. Cervical Dysplasia or another cervical condition can bleed on contact, but spotting alone cannot identify its cause.

Tell the maternity team when the bleeding began, its colour and amount, whether it followed sex, and how far along you are. They may recommend an examination, ultrasound, blood tests, or infection testing to understand what is happening.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent pregnancy service for guidance rather than waiting for a routine visit. Use a pad to watch the amount and avoid tampons. Until advised, pause sex if bleeding continues or pain is present. Do not take medicines or use vaginal products without checking their suitability in pregnancy. Keep your antenatal details and any previous scan information available when you call.

Seek emergency help for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, faintness, dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. Get immediate assessment if you have fluid leakage or symptoms that are worsening. Early pregnancy problems can change quickly, so these warning signs should not be monitored at home.

Ask whether you need an ultrasound, examination, blood tests, or infection testing, and how results will be followed. Confirm which service to call overnight, whether sex or activity should pause, and exactly which symptoms mean you should attend emergency care.