Symptoms of Spotting During Pregnancy

Light pink or brown staining may occur when the cervix is sensitive, including after sex or an examination. Infection can also irritate the cervix. Bleeding can sometimes accompany an early pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy, and later-pregnancy bleeding has different concerns involving the placenta or labour. The colour alone cannot tell you whether a pregnancy is safe.

Record when the spotting began, how quickly a pad becomes marked, whether there are clots, and whether you have cramps, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, dizziness, or reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy. Tell the clinician your gestational stage, blood group if known, and any recent intercourse or examination.

Call your maternity service, obstetrician, or emergency advice line for individual guidance, even when the spotting is slight. Use a pad rather than a tampon so the amount can be observed. Avoid sex until you have received advice, and do not self-medicate with medicines that have not been checked for pregnancy. Keep your antenatal records available.

Go to emergency care immediately for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, severe dizziness, fever, or feeling suddenly very unwell. Later in pregnancy, seek urgent assessment for painful bleeding, contractions, fluid leakage, or reduced fetal movement. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask whether you need an examination, pregnancy hormone testing, blood-group assessment, or an ultrasound, and what symptoms should trigger a return to hospital. Ask how to monitor the bleeding and when normal activities can resume.