Spotting is the term used to describe a light vaginal bleeding, which often shows up as spots on your sanitary napkin or underwear.
In women who aren’t pregnant, spotting can happen for a few reasons.
However, in pregnant women, spotting can happen too.
Pregnancy spotting is actually quite common. In fact, up to 25% of pregnant women experience spotting.
More often than not, it isn’t a major issue. However, it’s still good to understand why it happens.
We’re also going to look at when you should bring it to the attention of a doctor.
Some Basic Facts About Pregnancy Spotting
Spotting can happen at any time during your pregnancy.
However, a significant majority of women who experience spotting say that it happened during their first trimester.
Spotting should be very light. It is usually not more than a few drops of blood that look dark brown, pink or red.
They shouldn’t soak through your underwear or panty liner. If you experience bleeding heavier than this, you should consult your obstetrician.
Contrary to popular belief, spotting is not always a sign that you have suffered a miscarriage. In fact, there are many other causes of it.
These causes depend largely on what stage of pregnancy you’re in.
We’re going to look at spotting and why they happen in the different trimesters of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Spotting in the First Trimester
As much as 20 % of pregnant women report experiencing spotting within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
This first trimester is the time when vaginal spotting happens most often.
Some of the reasons why include:
Implantation bleeding
This harmless bleeding happens within 6-8 days after conception, when your fertilised egg travels through your Fallopian tube and implants itself into the walls of your uterus.
The bleeding should be very minor and last only a few hours.
The maximum period it should last is not more than 3 days, after which it should stop on its own.
There is no need medical attention, as long as you monitor it.
Additionally, not all women will experience implantation bleeding.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy happens when a fertilised egg gets implanted outside of your womb or uterus, most often in the Fallopian tube.
The developing embryo causes other discomforts as it pushes into the limited space.
Spotting due to an Ectopic Pregnancy is often accompanied by pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling pressure in your rectal area and severe dizziness to the point of feeling faint.
Do see your doctor as soon as possible if you’re feeling these symptoms with spotting.
An Early Miscarriage
If there is a prolonged spotting of a few days, do see your doctor too.
Your doctor will likely do a blood test to determine the level of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your bloodstream.
The level of hCG in your blood over a period of a few days will help determine if your pregnancy is safe or not. A significant decline will unfortunately indicate a loss of pregnancy.
A miscarriage can also see other symptoms happening alongside the spotting. For example, there might be cramping, pinkish discharge, back pain and others.
Other Early Pregnancy Causes
Additional causes of spotting during the first trimester can include:
- An infection in your womb
- Changes to the lining of the uterus or cervix
- Having intercourse
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
- Genetic abnormalities tests performed on your baby
If your spotting feels suspicious, it is always better to seek the advice of your doctor to allay any worries or fears.
Spotting in the Second Trimester
Spotting in the second trimester is rare, and usually comes with some mechanical irritation to the cervix.
This can happen during sexual intercourse or a cervical exam.
Another cause of spotting may be the formation of a polyp in your cervix.
This is a small and harmless mass that forms at your cervix and the bleeding stems from the increased blood vessels that form there.
During this time, your pregnancy is more stable.
However, you should monitor yourself for any heavier bleeding as this is an indication of something serious.
Bleeding during the second trimester can indicate serious issues with the placenta or baby.
Spotting in the Third Trimester
By the third trimester, spotting becomes even more rare. If it happens, it could be because of the same reasons as those in the second trimester.
Additionally, it can also happen as part of a ‘Bloody Show’, whereby the blood indicated that you’re going into labour.
When You Should Start to Worry
Throughout your pregnancy, you should be able to tell the difference between light spotting and full-on bleeding.
Bleeding during pregnancy should be treated as a serious issue that requires immediate medical attention.
On the other hand, if your spotting lasts only a short while and doesn’t come with any other symptoms, you should be cautious but there’s no need to panic.
What Your Doctor Can Do for You
If your bleeding is not from implantation, and it has lasted for several days, you’re highly encouraged to set an appointment with your Obstetrician.
They will be able to evaluate your spotting and perform a vaginal exam if necessary.
Additionally, you may require blood tests to determine whether your hCG levels are stable and healthy, as well as to rule out any other issues like infections or Rhesus disease.
Finally, they will be able to perform an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s growth and heartbeat.
Depending on the diagnosis, you may be encouraged to rest more and put your feet up to minimise the spotting.
If a Rhesus Disease is found, you will be prescribed medication to manage it. Another advice might be to refrain from sexual activity, especially in the third trimester.
Not All Pregnancy Spotting is Dangerous
Many mothers who experience spotting or even bleeding during their pregnancies go on to give birth to healthy babies.
The important thing to remember here is to monitor your spotting. If it doesn’t stop or get heavier, seek medical attention straightaway.
Also, look out for additional symptoms together with your spotting that may cause concern, like back pain, fever, dizziness, cramps and vertigo.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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