Understandably, any degree of bleeding can be alarming for women. While it is common in all stages of pregnancy, it doesn't mean it is normal. However, it also doesn't mean doom. The important thing is to inform your provider for appropriate evaluation. Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the very beginning or end of your period. It can vary in color from pink to red to brown (the color of dried blood).
It's not always possible to determine the reason behind prenatal spotting or bleeding. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Sex: More blood flows to your cervix during pregnancy, so it's not unusual to notice spotting after intercourse. A cervical polyp (a benign growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after sex.- A Pap smear or internal exam - You may have spotting after you've had a Pap smear or internal exam for the same reasons – greater blood flow to the cervix or a cervical polyp.
- Implantation bleeding: Very early in pregnancy, even before you realize you're pregnant, you may have some spotting for a day or two. This bleeding may be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the wall of your uterus, but no one knows for sure.
- Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy: Spotting or bleeding, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping, can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes). An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, which is one of the reasons it's important to let your practitioner know immediately if you have bleeding or pain in your first trimester.
- Infections: Spotting can also be caused by conditions unrelated to pregnancy. A vaginal infection (such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis) or a sexually transmitted infection (such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes) can cause your cervix to become irritated or inflamed. An inflamed cervix is particularly prone to spotting after sex or a Pap smear.
In case you are spotting - Call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding seems to have stopped. While it may turn out to be something minor, it could be a sign of a serious problem. What your healthcare practitioner does next will depend on your individual situation.
- Sex: More blood flows to your cervix during pregnancy, so it's not unusual to notice spotting after intercourse. A cervical polyp (a benign growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after sex.- A Pap smear or internal exam - You may have spotting after you've had a Pap smear or internal exam for the same reasons – greater blood flow to the cervix or a cervical polyp.
- Implantation bleeding: Very early in pregnancy, even before you realize you're pregnant, you may have some spotting for a day or two. This bleeding may be caused by the fertilized egg burrowing into the wall of your uterus, but no one knows for sure.
- Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy: Spotting or bleeding, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping, can be an early sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes). An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, which is one of the reasons it's important to let your practitioner know immediately if you have bleeding or pain in your first trimester.
- Infections: Spotting can also be caused by conditions unrelated to pregnancy. A vaginal infection (such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis) or a sexually transmitted infection (such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes) can cause your cervix to become irritated or inflamed. An inflamed cervix is particularly prone to spotting after sex or a Pap smear.
In case you are spotting - Call your doctor or midwife right away, even if the bleeding seems to have stopped. While it may turn out to be something minor, it could be a sign of a serious problem. What your healthcare practitioner does next will depend on your individual situation.
