Spotting and Bleeding While Pregnant
Reviewed by Susan K. Mueller, M.D.
There is a major difference between spotting and bleeding during the course of your pregnancy. Spotting is very light bleeding and either brown or pink in color, while bleeding is bright red and is flowing heavy enough to fill up a sanitary napkin. There are many reasons why women bleed and spot during their pregnancies, sometimes it’s no big deal, sometimes it is. In most cases, it depends on how far along you are to better determine why you may be spotting or bleeding. Before panicking, read the reasons below to help you figure out why it may be happening to you.
Why You Have Spotting or Bleeding During Pregnant
- During the early stages of pregnancy, when the embryo attaches, or implants itself to the uterus lining, spotting will occur. If you’re not expecting to be pregnant, you may think this is the start of your menstrual cycle since implantation generally happens around the same time.
- During your pregnancy, and if intercourse has happened, you cervix may be extra sensitive. This tends to cause spotting to some women. If it happens to you, and you’re spotting, not bleeding you really shouldn’t put yourself in a stressful mood.
- During the end of your pregnancy, if you notice bloody mucous, it could mean that the mucous plug is gone, or has been lost. It could also mean labor is beginning and you should report to the doctor.
Excessive bleeding at any point of your pregnancy term is an indication something is very wrong. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are bleeding heavily. If you’re not sure whether to consider the amount you’re bleeding or spotting as normal or irregular, its best if you seek medical attention. It’s better to be safe than sorry. With so many factors that can lead to either spotting or bleeding, your doctors advice is the best advice for you.
