Bleeding during pregnancy can be alarming. There can be many reasons you’re bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Some reasons for bleeding are serious, while others aren’t. Contact your healthcare provider and share your symptoms. They can determine if you need an appointment or tests to check for pregnancy complications.
It’s common to have bleeding or spotting (light bleeding) during pregnancy. This is especially true in the first trimester. Bleeding during pregnancy can happen for many reasons. It doesn’t mean something is wrong or that you should panic. But it could be a sign of something more serious. That’s why it’s always a good idea to contact your pregnancy care provider if you have vaginal bleeding at any time during pregnancy. They’re the best person to determine if the bleeding is normal or if you need further tests. In the meantime, try to stay calm until you talk to your provider. Many people who experience bleeding during pregnancy have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.
Spotting is when you notice a few drops of pink, red or dark brown blood. You see it in your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe. If you put a panty liner on, the blood won’t fill it. Spotting during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is usually not concerning.
Bleeding describes a flow of blood that’s greater than a drop here and there. The amount of blood requires you to wear a pad or panty liner to keep it from ruining your underwear.
You should call your pregnancy care provider either way and tell them about it. They may want to schedule an appointment to confirm everything is OK.
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Bleeding or spotting in the first trimester is common. Between 15% and 25% of all pregnant people experience bleeding or spotting in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Even though it’s common, you should still call your healthcare provider to let them know.
Some causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy are:
Bleeding in the second or third trimesters is less common and may be a sign of a more serious condition. Contact your healthcare provider immediately so they’re aware of your symptoms.
Some conditions that can cause bleeding in the second and third trimesters are:
Other causes of bleeding during pregnancy that aren’t related to health conditions are:
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Bleeding in early pregnancy is common, but it usually doesn’t mean anything is wrong. However, you should still let your healthcare provider know, especially if you’re unsure if it’s spotting or bleeding. There are several causes of spotting that aren’t worrisome, but some are.
Yes. Many causes of bleeding in early pregnancy don’t cause a miscarriage.
Bleeding that resembles your period isn’t typical during pregnancy. Bleeding isn’t always a sign that something is wrong, but heavy bleeding may mean there’s a complication.
Bleeding during pregnancy can look different for everyone. Your pregnancy care provider will want to know what your blood looks like. Some details you’ll want to track include:
These details can help your provider determine the level of care you need and how urgent your symptoms are. It’s always a good idea to call your provider so they can determine if the bleeding is serious.
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Your pregnancy care provider may want to perform an ultrasound and physical exam to determine the cause of the bleeding. They may order blood tests, too.
Some treatments for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can include:
It’s always best to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider. In most cases, they’ll recommend more rest. Avoiding things like vigorous exercise or lifting heavy objects can also help. You should use a panty liner or pad to contain the bleeding.
Spotting during pregnancy is most common in the first trimester, but it’s possible to spot in the second and third trimesters, too.
Your pregnancy care provider should know of any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. Even if it’s not serious at that moment in your pregnancy, they’ll want to take notes of your symptoms.
Call your provider right away if you experience any of the following, more serious symptoms:
If your provider’s office is closed, you should go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
Bleeding during pregnancy can be scary. It’s natural to have questions for your healthcare provider. Some questions to ask your provider are:
Your healthcare provider may ask you several questions to find the cause of your vaginal bleeding. Some questions you may need to answer are:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Bleeding at any point in pregnancy can be scary. Your mind may automatically go to the worst-case scenario. Before panic sets in, try to relax and stay calm. Sometimes, bleeding during pregnancy isn’t serious and goes away on its own. Your pregnancy care provider is the best person to tell you if the bleeding is worrisome.
Call your provider right away if you have any vaginal bleeding while pregnant. Take note of the color and amount. Even if the bleeding is light or normal, your provider should know about it. They’ll want to rule out any pregnancy complications and make sure your pregnancy is healthy.
Last reviewed on 08/27/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy