If you’ve had bleeding early in your pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many other pregnant women have early bleeding, too. And in most cases, nothing is wrong. But your healthcare provider still needs to know about it. They may want to do tests to find out why you’re bleeding. Call your provider if you see bleeding during pregnancy. Tell your provider if your blood is Rh negative. Then they can figure out if you need anti-D immune globulin treatment.
What causes early bleeding?
The cause of bleeding early in pregnancy is often unknown. But many factors early on in pregnancy may lead to light bleeding (called spotting) or heavier bleeding. These include:
Having sex
When the embryo implants on the uterine wall
Bleeding between the sac membrane and the uterus (subchorionic bleeding)
Pregnancy loss (miscarriage)
The embryo implants outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
If you see spotting
Light bleeding is the most common type of bleeding in early pregnancy. If you see it, call your healthcare provider. Chances are, they will tell you that you can care for yourself at home.
If tests are needed
Depending on how much you bleed, your healthcare provider may ask you to come in for some tests. A pelvic exam, for instance, can help see how far along your pregnancy is. You also may have an ultrasound or a Doppler test. These imaging tests use sound waves to check the health of your baby. The ultrasound may be done on your belly or inside your vagina. You may also need a special blood test. This test compares your hormone levels in blood samples taken 2 days apart. The results can help your provider learn more about the implantation of the embryo. Your blood type will also need to be checked to assess if you will need to be treated for Rh sensitization.
Warning signs
If your bleeding doesn’t stop or if you have any of the following, get medical care right away:
Soaking a sanitary pad each hour
Bleeding like you’re having a period
Cramping or severe belly pain
Feeling dizzy or faint
Tissue passing through your vagina
Bleeding at any time after the first trimester
Questions you may be asked
Bleeding early in pregnancy isn't normal. But it is common. If you’ve seen any bleeding, you may be concerned. But keep in mind that bleeding alone doesn’t mean something is wrong. Just be sure to call your healthcare provider right away. They may ask you questions like these to help find the cause of your bleeding:
When did your bleeding start?
Is your bleeding very light or is it like a period?
Is the blood bright red or brownish?
Have you had sex recently?
Have you had pain or cramping?
Have you felt dizzy or faint?
Monitoring your pregnancy
Bleeding will often stop as quickly as it began. Your pregnancy may go on a normal path again. You may need to make a few extra prenatal visits. But you and your baby will most likely be fine.
You can't have your menstrual period while pregnant, although some women do have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Some even report intermittent bleeding that seems like a regular period to them. But vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is not the same thing as menstruation.
Learn why spotting might be normal during pregnancy, plus why it's important to let your provider know if you have any bleeding or spotting while pregnant.
Why you can't have your period while pregnant
Menstruation only happens when you're not pregnant. Each month, your uterus grows a thick blood-rich lining in preparation for an egg to embed there. If you don't get pregnant that month, you shed this tissue and blood, and this is your menstrual period.
But once an egg embeds in the uterine lining, hormones tell the blood-rich tissue to stay intact to support the growing baby. And you won't shed it and start having your period again until your pregnancy is over.
Is spotting normal during pregnancy?
Non-period bleeding occurs during pregnancy for various reasons. It's important to know the difference between spotting and bleeding. Spotting is a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear, but not enough to cover a panty liner. Bleeding, on the other hand, is a heavier blood flow for which you'll need a liner or pad to prevent the blood from soaking your clothes.
Some spotting in early pregnancy is normal, and happens in 15 to 25 percent of pregnancies. The cervix may bleed more easily in pregnancy because more blood vessels are developing there. Spotting may happen in the 10 to 14 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. This is known as "implantation bleeding."
Other reasons for spotting during pregnancy include:
- Having sex
- Hormone changes
- Having a Pap smear or vaginal exam
- Vaginitis or a sexually transmitted infection
Always call your provider if you experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. It could be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection, placenta problems, impending miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening. (See our article on vaginal bleeding in pregnancy for a complete rundown of possible causes.)
How long will spotting last during pregnancy?
Unlike your menstrual period, spotting during pregnancy only lasts about 1 to 2 days. If this spotting is implantation bleeding, it likely occurs a few days sooner than your next expected period. It will be much lighter and not require you to change a pad. Implantation bleeding doesn't require treatment and stops on its own. Even if you just think you're having implantation bleeding, be sure to call your healthcare provider to let them know.
What to do if you're bleeding or spotting during pregnancy
Call your doctor or midwife immediately at the sign of bleeding or spotting during pregnancy – even if the bleeding has stopped. Many women who bleed a little during pregnancy go on to deliver without complications, but you may need an evaluation to rule out any serious problems. Look out for other symptoms as well:
- Cramping or contractions
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fever or chills
- Signs of preterm labor, such as your water breaking
Go to the nearest emergency room if your doctor's office is closed and you can't reach your provider. If they determine your bleeding isn't serious, potential treatments may include things like relaxing and avoiding sex, travel, and rigorous exercise. It's important that you follow your provider's recommendations, to keep both yourself and your baby healthy.