Spotting In Early Pregnancy – What Does It Mean?

Probably every woman knows at least one woman who had a miscarriage during her early pregnancy. Spotting is usually something the woman noticed. When we hear that there is spotting in early pregnancy and a miscarriage was the result, we worry if we have spotting during our early pregnancy, understandably!

The Facts – Worry or Not?

It is true, spotting can be a precursor to a miscarriage. About 15% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. But the bigger picture is that a full 25-30% of pregnant women have some spotting in early pregnancy, and still carry their baby to term. Spotting in early pregnancy is very common, and not necessarily something to worry about! There are other stages of pregnancy less early that would have other reasons for spotting, such as early labor or issues with the placement of the placenta.

How To Tell The Difference?

Spotting is considered to be light bleeding from the vagina. It should be similar to what you would have right at the beginning of your period, before the "faucet" is fully on. Or like at the end, when it just trickles off gradually. There shouldn't be much. If there is much more, you should see your doctor. The color should be brownish (like dried blood), or pinkish. It shouldn't be bright red at all. For many women, there is so little coloring that they don't even notice it unless it shows on the tissue when they wipe themselves after using the toilet. It is a good idea to wear a pad or panty liner so you can see how much discharge there is and what color it is. Also, refrain from sexual intercourse or using a tampon while you are still bleeding.

Incidentally, the vagina commonly releases some discharge as it makes the mucus plug that safeguards the baby from damage and infections. It fits right in the cervix and stays in place until when the mother goes into labor.

Why Am I Spotting?

Most likely, the bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy you have is from implantation. When the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus – usually about a couple of weeks after your ovulation – there can be bleeding from the site. The largest difference between implantation bleeding (also called "breakthrough bleeding") and a period is the quantity of blood. Implantation bleeding is much lighter than regular menstrual bleeding, though it can be similar to the time your regular period is expected.

Other reasons for spotting in early pregnancy is much less common, but also much more dangerous. Spotting or bleeding can be caused by an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg doesn't make it to the uterus but instead implants along the walls of a fallopian tube. Also, bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy can be a sign of an impending miscarriage. Along with the blood, with both of these situations (ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage) there is also significant pain in the abdomen and cramping. In both these situations, the egg will not be able to be carried to term because of either where it implanted or because of abnormalities within the fertilized egg. The body is doing what it must to rid itself of the foreign object.

Whatever the reason for the spotting in early pregnancy, it is best to let your midwife or doctor know about it – she would be the best one to determine whether or not it is something to be alarmed about.