Spotting in Early Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & What It Means

Seeing light bleeding or spotting when you are pregnant can be really frightening. A lot of women get worried soon as they see pink or brown or light red discharge. The good news is that spotting when you are pregnant is very common and it does not always mean that something is wrong with your pregnancy.

Sometimes spotting happens because your body is getting used to being pregnant. Times you might need to go see a doctor. If you understand what is causing the spotting it can help you feel less scared. It can help you figure out what to do next about your pregnancy.

If you are going to have a baby things, like our Pregnancy Diet Plan Week by Week can also help you have a pregnancy.

What is Spotting in Early Pregnancy?

Spotting is light bleeding. It is much lighter than your period. You might see:

* Pink discharge

* Brown spotting

* Red drops

* Small stains on your underwear

This is different from a regular period. Spotting usually does not soak a pad.

Is Spotting Normal in Early Pregnancy?

Yes spotting can be normal. Many women experience light spotting during the 12 weeks of pregnancy.

It might happen once.. It might come and go for a short time.

If the spotting is light and does not hurt it is often harmless.

Spotting can be a thing, in early pregnancy.

It does not always mean there is a problem.

Spotting is something many pregnant women experience.

Common Causes of Spotting in Early Pregnancy

1. Implantation Bleeding

This is what happens when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. It usually happens around the time you would have had your period.

The signs of implantation bleeding are pretty clear. You might see some light pink or brown spotting. This spotting usually lasts for one or two days. You might also feel some cramping.

2. Hormonal Changes

Your body is going through a lot of changes in pregnancy. Your hormones are shifting fast. Sometimes these hormonal changes can cause some light spotting.

3. Sensitive Cervix

When you are pregnant your cervix gets blood flowing to it. This makes it more sensitive. You might see some spotting after you have intercourse or a pelvic exam. Even heavy activity can cause some spotting.

4. Infection

Sometimes spotting can be a sign of an cervical infection. If you have an infection you might see some signs like burning, unusual discharge, itching or a bad odor.

5. Miscarriage or Ectopic Pregnancy

Spotting can sometimes be a sign of a serious problem. If you have spotting and it comes with pain or heavy bleeding you need to see a doctor away.

When Should You Worry About Spotting?

You should contact a doctor away if you have spotting and any of the following symptoms.

* Heavy bleeding that is, like a period

* Severe cramps

* Sharp abdominal pain

* Dizziness

* Shoulder pain

* Passing clots

* Fever

These symptoms are serious. You need to get them checked out. Spotting in pregnancy can be scary.. If you know what to look for you can stay safe.

Spotting Colors and What They May Mean

If you see spotting what should you do.

You should stay calm.

Try to rest if you can.

Do not lift anything

Pay attention to the color and amount of spotting.

If you are not sure what to do call your healthcare provider.

Healthy Pregnancy Support Tips are available to help you.

Taking care of your body is really important when you are pregnant.

Eating food that's good for you is very important.

You can look at our Pregnancy Diet Plan Week by Week to get some ideas about what to eat.

You can also use our Smart Age Calculator to see how old your baby will be at times.

Are you thinking about names, for your baby already.

You can try our Baby Name Generator to find some names.

Emotional Truth Every Mom Should Know

A lot of moms get really scared when they see some spotting. This is a feeling. Being pregnant can be an emotional time and there is a lot that you do not know.. Just because you see some spotting does not mean that something bad is going to happen to your baby.

You should pay attention to what your body's telling you. You should also learn much as you can about pregnancy and spotting.. If you are worried you should go see a doctor.

Final Thoughts

Spotting when you are first pregnant is pretty common. It is usually not a big deal. Sometimes spotting happens when the baby is implanting itself in your uterus or because your hormones are changing or because your cervix is a little sensitive.. If you are bleeding a lot or if you are in pain you need to go to the doctor right away.

Every pregnancy is different. So if you are worried, about something you should trust your feelings. Talk to a doctor. Pregnancy is a time when you should listen to your body and trust your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional when you need to.