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Spotting and bleeding during early pregnancy
What’s common, what’s concerning, and when to seek help
Top things to know:
Spotting is any bloody vaginal discharge that doesn’t require the use of period products
It’s a common symptom of early pregnancy
Light bleeding during pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about
If you’re pregnant and experience heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately
What is spotting?
Spotting is defined as any bloody vaginal discharge that typically does not require the use of a pad or tampon (1). It may appear light pink, dark red, or brown. The light bleeding experienced at the beginning and end of your period is still considered bleeding within your menstrual cycle and not spotting.
While spotting may not require a period product, some people may still choose to use one, such as a panty liner, to protect their underwear.
You can track your spotting in the Clue app, which can help you recognize patterns and differentiate between menstruation and potential early pregnancy signs.
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What is vaginal bleeding?
Vaginal bleeding is heavier than spotting, with a more consistent flow which usually requires the use of a period product. An example of vaginal bleeding is your period, however there are many other possible causes (2).
In this article, we use the term "bleeding" to refer to both spotting and bleeding during early pregnancy. Now that we've defined spotting and bleeding, let's discuss how common they are in early pregnancy.
Is spotting common during early pregnancy?
Yes, light bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy is common. During the first trimester (the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy), up to 1 in 4 people experience bleeding (3).
How much bleeding is “normal” during early pregnancy?
Some spotting or minimal bleeding is common during early pregnancy, but no amount of bleeding is completely “normal.” If you experience heavy bleeding—especially if this is accompanied by pain—please see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What are the causes of bleeding in early pregnancy?
Spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. It’s important to remember that there are many possible reasons for this, and most are not a cause for concern. Let’s take a look at the causes in more detail below.
Common causes of bleeding in early pregnancy:
While these causes are often not serious, it's always best to discuss any bleeding with your healthcare provider to rule out any concerns.
Implantation: Bleeding or spotting may occur 1–2 weeks after the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus—a process known as implantation (3). This bleeding often happens around the time your period would usually be due (3).
Cervical changes: Reproductive hormones during pregnancy can cause normal changes to the cells on the cervix, known as a cervical ectropion, which may result in bleeding (4). During pregnancy, more blood vessels develop in the cervix, which may cause it to bleed more easily (3).
Sexual intercourse: Penetrative sex can cause some spotting or bleeding (3).
Pelvic exams: Spotting or light bleeding after a cervical cancer screening, also known as a Pap test or a pelvic exam, is also not uncommon (3).
Serious causes of bleeding:
While spotting or light bleeding can sometimes be harmless, it's important to be aware that some causes can signal serious underlying issues that require prompt medical attention:
Pregnancy loss: A loss of a pregnancy, also known as a miscarriage, can cause spotting or bleeding (3).
Ectopic pregnancy: Spotting or bleeding might be a sign that the pregnancy is developing somewhere other than the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and may cause abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and dizziness. If you have a positive pregnancy test alongside any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible (3).
Is spotting during early pregnancy the same as implantation bleeding?
Although spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy may be a sign of implantation, there are many other possible causes. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg embeds itself into the uterus to begin a pregnancy. This causes a disruption of the uterine blood vessels, which can result in spotting or bleeding (5). Implantation bleeding can happen around 1–2 weeks after an egg is fertilized by sperm (3). Research on implantation bleeding is limited, so it’s unclear how common it is.
Is spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy always a symptom of a miscarriage?
While spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy may be a sign of a miscarriage, only 1 in 2 people experience bleeding before the onset of a miscarriage (3). Early pregnancy loss or miscarriage occurs in around 1 in 10 pregnancies during the first 13 weeks (3).
Other signs of a miscarriage are abdominal cramping pain, passage of tissue from the vagina, and a gush of fluid from the vagina (6).
Spotting or bleeding does not necessarily indicate a miscarriage; however, if you do experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider straight away. For most people, a miscarriage is a one-time occurrence, and recurrent miscarriages are uncommon (6). Most people go on to have successful pregnancies afterward (6).
Is spotting or bleeding a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy?
Spotting or bleeding can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (3), which is a pregnancy that grows outside the uterus, mostly in the fallopian tubes (7). This pregnancy is not viable and cannot result in a healthy pregnancy. Other symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include severe lower abdominal pain, pain in the shoulder, diarrhea, and dizziness (7).
An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. If you have any of the symptoms listed above and have had sex within the past three months, even while using birth control, you should seek immediate medical help.
How do I know if the bleeding is “normal”?
Although spotting and light bleeding are common during early pregnancy and are often not cause for concern, they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. That’s why bleeding is treated as a symptom that requires attention, rather than something considered “normal.”
When to seek medical attention
If you know you're pregnant and you experience bleeding, it's important to contact your healthcare provider to determine the cause. They may perform an ultrasound scan, or you might need to have a vaginal or pelvic examination. They could also do some blood tests.
In many cases, your healthcare provider will be able to identify the cause of your bleeding, but in some cases, the exact reason may remain unknown.
Summary
Spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy is common, affecting up to 1 in 4 people during the first 12 weeks (3). While it can be concerning, there are many possible causes, most of which are not serious. If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider to determine the cause. Seeking medical advice provides reassurance and ensures proper care.
FAQs
Can you take a pregnancy test during implantation bleeding?
You can take a pregnancy test at any point in your cycle. However, testing too early during implantation bleeding may result in a false negative. This is because the human chorionic gonadotropin levels (hCG) may not be high enough for the test to detect right after implantation (8). For the most accurate result, it’s best to wait until after you’ve missed your period, or about three weeks after unprotected sex if your periods are unpredictable (8).
Is it normal to bleed at eight weeks pregnant?
Bleeding at eight weeks of pregnancy isn’t always a cause for concern, but no bleeding during pregnancy is ever considered “normal.” That’s why it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any bleeding at any stage of your pregnancy.
