Spotting During PregnancyAugust 10, 2020

Spotting is a common concern that many pregnant women face. The term spotting is used for very light bleeding at any point in pregnancy. It is usually a small quantity and lasts for a short duration of time. The blood may be red, pink, or light brown in appearance.

Spotting may result in redness on your underwear or require you to wear a panty liner. Bleeding that is heavy enough to require a menstrual pad is usually referred to as vaginal bleeding rather than spotting, and should be evaluated by your doctor. Even though spotting can occur in viable pregnancies and does not necessarily mean anything is wrong, it's normal to worry about miscarriage. Approximately 20% of women report they experience spotting during their first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding that occurs early on in pregnancy is usually lighter in flow than a menstrual period. Spotting is usually light and brown, although heavy spotting can be red. A woman who is spotting might need only a panty liner rather than more absorbent menstrual supplies to manage the flow.

Although it is easy to be concerned, don’t panic. The majority of women who experiencing spotting during pregnancy go on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. If your bleeding in early pregnancy is very minimal and you otherwise are not having any symptoms, you may wish to wait until your next appointment to talk to your Gynecologist. But if you experience spotting along with severe cramping, fever, unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or pain, you should tell your doctor right away.

There are many possible reasons for spotting in a normal, healthy pregnancy. These may include:

Irritation of the cervix following sexual intercourse, a recent pelvic exam, or a recent transvaginal ultrasound: The cervix becomes very vascular during pregnancy and can sometimes bleed with minimal contact. This bleeding is not dangerous, other than making you fear that something could be wrong.

Infection of the cervix (cervicitis) refers to inflammation of the cervix and is most commonly caused by infections. These can be sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, or genital herpes, or non-sexually transmitted infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Cervicitis may also be caused by irritation from a diaphragm​ or an allergy to the latex in condoms.

Implantation bleeding: When the placenta implants in the uterine wall, spotting may occur not necessary to avoid intercourse (or pelvic exams or ultrasounds) in early pregnancy.

Cervical ectopy, which is the invasion of cells that are normally present in the uterus or cervical canal to the surface of the cervix. These delicate cells have a tendency to bleed with very little irritation. Ectopy is more common in women who have experienced vaginal childbirth in the past and those who have used birth control pills for an extended period of time.

Ectopic pregnancy: Spotting may result from an ectopic pregnancy, in which an embryo implants in the fallopian tubes. This is a medical emergency.

When spotting occurs later in pregnancy (in the second and third trimesters), often the cause is not known and the spotting does not indicate any problems. Conditions that can cause spotting include:

Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is placed over the opening to the cervix.

Placental abruption: Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery often results in very heavy bleeding, but at times the bleeding is contained above the placenta and only spotting occurs.

Labor: When the cervix begins to dilate in early labor. It is common to have a "bloody show."

Spotting During Pregnancy Vs Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is any discharge of blood from the vagina. It can happen any time from conception (when the egg is fertilized) to the end of pregnancy.

Light bleeding, or spotting, during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester. Usually this is no cause for alarm. It is considered spotting when you notice a few drops of blood occasionally in your underwear. There is not even enough blood to cover a panty liner.

Bleeding is a heavier flow of blood. With bleeding, you will need a liner or pad to keep the blood from soaking your clothes. Whether you are bleeding or spotting, it is best to contact your healthcare provider and describe what you are experiencing.

To help manage your spotting during pregnancy and to increase the probability of continuing with a healthy pregnancy, your healthcare provider may encourage you to do the following:

• Bed rest or more naps
• More time off your feet
• Limit your physical activity
• Elevate your feet when possible
• Avoid lifting items over 10 pounds

Remember, the majority of women who experience spotting during pregnancy go on to have a healthy pregnancy. However, do not let this fact keep you from contacting your healthcare provider. It is important to discuss your spotting symptoms with your doctor.

 

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