emmas logo
Emma's Diary

The Pregnancy App

star rating

FREE - On the app store

Close this popup  

Bleeding and spotting in early pregnancy

bleeding in pregnancy
 

Is bleeding normal during early pregnancy (before 12 weeks)?

It’s not uncommon for women to have some light vaginal bleeding or “spotting” in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Whilst alarming, it’s important to know that most women who have some early bleeding do go on to have a successful pregnancy.

However, if you experience bleeding do speak to your doctor or midwife straight away. They will ask you about the colour of the blood, how much you are passing, if there are any clots, and if you have abdominal cramps.

Bleeding can sometimes start at a time when a period would have been due, or after sex. If you experience bleeding or spotting, go and see your GP who will ask you what colour the blood is and whether you have cramps.

Understanding bleeding in pregnancy and what it means

The most common cause of light bleeding in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is caused by implantation: this is when the fertilised egg embeds in the wall of the womb. It causes light pinkish- brown bleeding which usually occurs around the time when you would have been due a period. It lasts for about a day and does not produce cramps or clots.

Common causes of vaginal spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy

Another common cause of spotting is increased blood flow to the cervix (the neck of the womb). This can cause some bleeding after having sex. Again this should only lead to short lived vaginal bleeding without clots or cramps.

More serious causes of bleeding in early pregnancy include miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy.

Tests carried out for early vaginal bleeding

If the blood is bright red, you are passing clots or having cramps, you may be starting to miscarry. You will be referred to an early assessment unit or hospital ward for tests.  An ultrasound scan, along with an examination and blood tests, may be required to find out why you are bleeding and whether the pregnancy is progressing normally.

When to see the GP

If you experience vaginal bleeding which may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen low down on one side, pain on passing urine or a bowel movement, dizziness, or pain in the tip of the shoulder, the cause could be an ectopic pregnancy ( where the fertilised egg embeds outside the womb). This can occur very early in pregnancy, sometimes before the woman even realises that she is pregnant. 

Seek emergency medical attention if you have these symptoms as you will need to be assessed urgently at the hospital.

Banner---Approved-by-ED--401x55

 

 

 

 

THE LATEST HOT TOPICS

JUST FOR YOU