Types of bleeding in early pregnancy

Spotting may appear as pink, brown, or red marks when wiping or on underwear. Bleeding can also be more like a period, with a steady flow or small clots. Colour and amount alone cannot show whether a pregnancy is continuing normally. Causes can include cervical irritation, an early pregnancy loss, or an ectopic pregnancy, in which a pregnancy develops outside the uterus.

Pain on one side, shoulder-tip pain, weakness, or faintness is particularly concerning because an Ectopic Pregnancy can become an emergency. Bleeding without pain still merits advice from a maternity or medical team.

Contact your maternity service or clinician and describe when the bleeding began, its colour, how quickly pads become wet, and whether you have cramps or pain. Use pads rather than tampons so the amount is easier to observe. Keep hydrated, avoid driving if dizzy, and follow the assessment plan you are given.

Go to emergency care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, unusual weakness, or heavy bleeding. Seek immediate help as well if you feel acutely unwell, even if the bleeding seems light.

Ask whether you need an ultrasound or blood tests, what symptoms should trigger emergency care, when to repeat testing, and how you can reach the pregnancy team outside usual hours.