If you bleed in early pregnancy it does not always mean that you are having a miscarriage; in fact it is quite common. Show
One in four women will bleed in early pregnancy, many of whom go on to have a healthy baby. However, if you have any bleeding at any time during your pregnancy, contact a health professional, so that appropriate investigation and treatment can be started. Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy (where the fetus is growing inside the fallopian tube) can both cause bleeding. It is also possible that you will have tests and investigations but the reason for your bleeding will not be found. Investigating early bleedingYour doctor is likely to begin with an internal examination to feel the size of your uterus and to look for any obvious visible sign of bleeding. UltrasoundAfter about six weeks of pregnancy the baby’s heart beat can usually be seen on ultrasound. If you have been bleeding, you will likely be offered a vaginal ultrasound because it offers the best possible view of your pregnancy. A vaginal ultrasound is a narrow probe, which is put inside the vagina; it feels much like an internal examination and is quite safe. Before six weeks, the embryo is so small that it can be very difficult to see its heartbeat. An ultrasound this early is not likely to give any definite answers about the future of the pregnancy. The benefit of an early ultrasound is that it may locate a pregnancy that is growing in the fallopian tubes (an ectopic pregnancy). An ectopic pregnancy is very serious and if found you will be treated immediately. If a heartbeat is found during an ultrasound it is likely that your pregnancy will continue with no further problems. Your chances of having a miscarriage in this scenario are less than one in twenty. The ultrasound can also show if a pregnancy has stopped growing. Sometimes it is also possible to see that a miscarriage has begun and that some of the pregnancy tissue has been passed out of the uterus. Blood testsA blood test can measure the level of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin), which changes depending on how pregnant you are.
DisclaimerThe Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept. Noticing spotting or light bleeding during pregnancy can feel terrifying, but it isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Many people who spot during pregnancy go on to deliver a healthy baby. Spotting is when you see a light or trace amount of pink, red, or dark brown (rust-colored) blood. You may notice spotting when you use the restroom or see a few drops of blood on your underwear. It will be lighter than your menstrual period, and there won’t be enough blood to cover a panty liner. During pregnancy, several factors can result in spotting — and most of the time, baby is perfectly fine. It’s important to note that spotting different from heavier bleeding, where you’d need a pad or tampon to stop blood from soaking through your underwear. Seek emergency care if you experience heavy bleeding during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you notice spotting or bleeding at any time during pregnancy. They can determine whether you need to come in for monitoring or to be evaluated. They may ask you about other symptoms along with spotting, such as cramping or a fever. It’s also important to notify your doctor of vaginal bleeding because some people with certain blood types require medication if they experience this at any time during their pregnancy. If you experience bleeding in your second or third trimester, let your doctor know right away or seek emergency medical care. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 15 to 20 percent of pregnant people experience bleeding in the first trimester. In a 2010 study of 4,539 pregnant women, about 1 in 4 experienced bleeding during the first trimester. The study found that spotting was most commonly seen in the sixth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. It wasn’t always a sign of miscarriage or that something was wrong. Spotting during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy may be attributed to:
Here’s what you need to know about these possible causes. Implantation bleedingImplantation bleeding occurs 6 to 12 days following conception. It’s believed to be a sign that the embryo is lodging into the wall of the uterus. Not everyone will experience implantation bleeding, but for those who do, it’s usually one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Implantation bleeding is usually light pink to dark brown. It’s different from your usual menstrual period because it’s only light spotting. You won’t be bleeding enough to need a tampon or to cover a sanitary pad. The blood also won’t drip into the toilet when you use the restroom. Implantation bleeding lasts for a few hours or up to 3 days, and will stop on its own. Ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself outside the uterus. Light to heavy vaginal spotting or bleeding can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding or spotting during an ectopic pregnancy is usually experienced along with:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Early pregnancy loss or miscarriageMost miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you know you’re pregnant and experience brown or bright red bleeding with or without cramps, speak with your doctor. With a miscarriage, you may also notice the following symptoms:
Once a miscarriage has started, there’s very little that can be done to save the pregnancy. You should still call your doctor, though, so they may rule out ectopic pregnancy or another complication. Your doctor will likely do two or more blood tests to check your pregnancy hormone levels. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The tests will be 24 to 48 hours apart. The reason you’ll need more than one blood test is so your doctor can determine if your hCG levels are declining. A decline in hCG levels indicates a pregnancy loss. Having a miscarriage doesn’t mean you’ll have difficulties getting pregnant in the future. It also doesn’t necessarily increase your risk for future miscarriages, though it may if you’ve already had multiple miscarriages. It’s important to note that a miscarriage is also generally not caused by something you did or didn’t do. Unidentified causes and moreIt’s also possible to have spotting for an unidentifiable reason. In early pregnancy you’re going through so many bodily changes. In some people, changes to the cervix can cause mild spotting. Other times, hormonal changes may be responsible. You may also experience mild spotting after sexual intercourse or if you’re very active. Infection is another possible cause for spotting, which is why it’s important to talk with your doctor about any spotting during pregnancy. They can rule out more serious causes and put your mind at ease. Light bleeding or spotting during the second trimester may be caused by irritation to the cervix, usually after sex or a cervical exam. This is common and not usually cause for concern. A cervical polyp is another possible cause for bleeding in the second trimester. This is a harmless growth on the cervix. You may have spotting from the area around the cervix due to an increased number of blood vessels in the tissue there. If you experience any vaginal bleeding that’s heavy like a menstrual period, let your doctor know right away. Heavy bleeding in the second trimester may be a sign of a medical emergency, such as:
Light bleeding or spotting during late pregnancy may occur after sex or a cervical exam. This is common and not usually cause for concern. It can also be due to a “bloody show,” or a sign that labor is starting. If you experience heavy vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy, seek emergency medical care. It could be caused by a:
Timely emergency care is necessary for your safety and that of your baby. If you experience a lighter blood flow or light spotting, you should still call your doctor right away. Depending on your other symptoms, you may need an evaluation. First trimesterMost miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. About 10 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Let your doctor know if you experience vaginal spotting or bleeding that doesn’t stop on its own after a few hours. You may also experience pain or cramping in your lower back or abdomen, or fluid or tissue passing from your vagina along with the following symptoms:
In the early weeks of pregnancy, your body may expel fetal tissue on its own and not require any medical procedure, but you should still let your doctor know if you think you’re experiencing or have experienced a miscarriage. They can make sure that all of the tissue has passed, as well as do a general check to make sure everything’s fine. Further along in the first trimester, or if there are complications, you may require a procedure called dilation and curettage — commonly called a D and C — to stop bleeding and prevent infection. It’s important to also care for yourself emotionally during this time. Second and third trimesterSymptoms of a late pregnancy miscarriage (after 13 weeks) include:
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing these symptoms. If the fetus is no longer alive, you may be given medication to help you deliver the fetus and placenta vaginally or your doctor may decide to surgically remove the fetus using a procedure called dilation and evacuation, also known as D and E. A second or third-trimester miscarriage requires physical and emotional care. If you work outside your home, ask your doctor when you can return to your office or work site. If you think you need more time for emotional recovery, let your doctor know. They may be able to provide documentation to your employer to allow you to take additional time off. If you plan to get pregnant again, ask your doctor how long they recommend you wait before trying to conceive. Finding supportExperiencing a miscarriage can be devastating. Know that a miscarriage is not your fault. Lean on family and friends for support during this difficult time. You can also find a grief counselor in your area. Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve. Many people go on to have healthy pregnancies following a miscarriage. Talk with your doctor when you’re ready. If you experience spotting that isn’t implantation bleeding or that doesn’t stop on its own after a few hours, your doctor may recommend you come in for an evaluation. They’ll likely perform a vaginal exam to assess the amount of bleeding. They may also take an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound to confirm a healthy fetus developing appropriately and to check for a heartbeat. During early pregnancy, you may also need an hCG blood test. This tests for a standard pregnancy and can help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy or rule out a potential miscarriage. Your blood type will also be confirmed. Spotting during pregnancy isn’t always cause for alarm. Many people experience implantation bleeding during early pregnancy. It’s also typical to experience some spotting after sex, for example. Let your doctor know if the spotting doesn’t stop on its own or gets heavier. Also let your doctor know if you experience other symptoms along with spotting, such as cramps, backache, or a fever. Remember that many people who experience spotting go on to have healthy pregnancies. Your doctor can help evaluate your symptoms. Read this article in Spanish. Is light spotting at 8 weeks normal?Light spotting is common and usually benign, and can begin around weeks 3 or 4 of pregnancy. But spotting can happen anytime during these nine months, from the early days of fertilization up to your due date. Here are some of the common causes of spotting during pregnancy: Implantation bleeding.
How long does spotting last at 8 weeks pregnant?Only about a third of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding after they get pregnant, but it's considered a normal symptom of pregnancy. In most cases, implantation spotting only lasts from a few hours to a couple days, but some women report having implantation spotting for up to seven days.
Does spotting at 8 weeks mean miscarriage?The bleeding may come and go over several days. However, light vaginal bleeding is relatively common during the first trimester (first 3 months) of pregnancy and does not necessarily mean you're having a miscarriage. If you have vaginal bleeding, contact your GP or maternity team as soon as possible.
What does normal spotting at 8 weeks look like?Spotting is when you see a light or trace amount of pink, red or dark brown blood. It will be lighter than your menstrual period and there won't be enough blood to cover a panty line.
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Is spotting normal at 8 weeks pregnant
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