Spotting during pregnancy is not uncommon. In the first trimester, 7% to 24% of women experience spotting [1].
Is it dangerous?
Without a doctor, it is impossible to establish the cause of bleeding and the degree of risk it may signal. Bleeding in early pregnancy is not uncommon. In many cases, it is not a sign of major concern, but it can be a sign of something serious in the later stages of pregnancy [2].
What can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?
Issues responsible for bleeding in early pregnancy include infections, early pregnancy loss, and ectopic pregnancy [2].
You get your period, but you tested positive for pregnancy, what is happening?
Most likely, this is implantation bleeding, which occurs 10-14 days after conception, when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. It is not dangerous and does not require treatment, but it can lead to miscalculation of your due date [3] if you consider implantation bleeding to be your last menstrual period.
Do I need to see a doctor for implantation bleeding?
Yes, so you can exclude the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy — a really dangerous condition [2].
How urgent is it to see a doctor?
In the first trimester, contact your doctor about any bleeding [2]:
Spotting or light bleeding, even if it lasts less than a day - call your doctor right away; don't wait for a scheduled visit.
Light bleeding with mild cramps or tummy pain - call your doctor right away.
Heavy bleeding, bleeding with clots, severe cramps or pain, or feeling faint or dizzy - go to the emergency room immediately.
In the second and third trimester, for any bleeding, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
