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, it depends on the intensity of the discharge [4]:
Spotting discharge no longer than one day - report at a scheduled visit.
Moderate bleeding for longer than a day - call your doctor the next day.
Heavy bleeding, with clots, or cramps, or pain - seek medical attention immediately.
In the second and third trimester, for any bleeding, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
