Spotting during pregnancy can be alarming. If you’ve noticed blood, you’re probably wondering if it’s normal or if you should be worried.
The short answer is that spotting can be common during pregnancy, but it’s always worth checking in with our team at OBGYN Westside, PLLC, on the Upper West Side of New York City, just to make sure.
In this blog, we share what spotting means, when it’s considered normal, and when you should reach out for support.
Spotting is light bleeding from your vagina. It’s usually lighter than a period and can appear as pink, red, or brown discharge. You might notice it on toilet paper or your underwear, and it often doesn’t last long.
Some spotting during pregnancy can be completely normal, especially during the first trimester. Here are a few common causes:
In very early pregnancy — usually around the time your period is due — you might spot as the fertilized egg implants into your uterine lining.
Some women may confuse implantation bleeding with the start of their period. However, implantation bleeding doesn’t last as long as your period — anywhere from a few hours to two days.
Implantation bleeding can be brown or pink, and you might even have very mild cramping. About 25% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding.
Pregnancy hormones cause increased blood flow to your cervix. This means simple things like a vaginal exam or even sex can lead to light spotting.
Your body goes through significant hormonal changes during early pregnancy, and these shifts can sometimes trigger spotting.
As your body gets ready for labor, you may lose your mucus plug — a thick clump of mucus that seals your cervix during pregnancy. When this occurs, you may notice a jelly-like discharge that is sometimes tinged with blood. This isn’t technically spotting, but you might see the blood tinges and wonder.
Your mucus plug is called “bloody show” and is usually a sign that labor is approaching rather than a cause for concern.
Note: If bleeding occurs earlier in pregnancy or if it’s heavy, please call our team immediately.
Sometimes, spotting can be a sign of something more serious:
Heavier bleeding and cramping may signal a miscarriage, especially in your first trimester. If spotting turns into a flow that resembles a period, put on a pad and call us.
When the embryo implants outside your uterus, it can cause spotting and pain and requires immediate attention. Ectopic pregnancy typically causes pain that is sharp, sudden, and one-sided.
Spotting and pain related to an ectopic pregnancy often happen between weeks 6-8.
A subchorionic hematoma is another potential cause of spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy. This occurs when blood collects between your uterine wall and the chorionic membrane (a part of your placenta).
This can sound scary, but subchorionic hematomas are relatively common, especially in the first trimester. In fact, subchorionic hematomas may be the most frequent cause of bleeding during pregnancy.
Most hematomas resolve on their own without harming your pregnancy. However, large or persistent ones can increase your risk of complications, so your OBGYN Westside provider may monitor you closely with ultrasounds and ask you to take it easy.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma, follow your provider’s guidance and let them know right away if symptoms worsen.
In later pregnancy, spotting may indicate problems with the placenta, like placenta previa or placental abruption. Please alert us as soon as possible for any bleeding late in pregnancy.
Even though spotting can be normal, you should always let your OB/GYN know if you’re bleeding during pregnancy. It’s especially important to reach out if:
At OBGYN Westside, we take your concerns seriously. Our team can help determine if your spotting is normal or needs closer evaluation.
Spotting during pregnancy can be part of a normal, healthy journey, but it’s never something you should ignore. If you’re ever unsure, trust your gut and reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
If you experience an emergency outside of our regular business hours, please call our after-hours emergency line. For less urgent matters, contact us by calling our office during business hours or using our online tool to schedule your next prenatal appointment.
