There are several things pregnant women worry about – mostly whether their experience is “normal.” What is a normal weight gain during pregnancy? What about cramping? Is it common to have some spotting during pregnancy?

Cramping and spotting are normal during pregnancy. About 20-30% of women experience some spotting during pregnancy, it is not usual. But what causes it? And how can you know whether you need to contact your doctor or midwife?

Why Would I Bleed? And Is This During Pregnancy Spotting Dangerous Or Not?

When the woman’s body ovulates, and an egg is released, the body begins to store up blood within the walls of the uterus, in the hopes that the egg will be fertilized. After fertilization, the egg implants into the wall of the uterus. It is not uncommon for some blood to come off the wall of the uterus, and the result will be some spotting during early pregnancy. This implantation bleeding usually happens from 6-12 days after conception. Ideally, the spotting is brown or pink. It should not be bright red.

Bleeding can also be a sign of an impending miscarriage, though. About 15-20% of pregnancies are not completed, but instead result in a miscarriage. The vast majority of them happen within the first 12 weeks. Having spotting is not the only sign that a miscarriage might be about to occur. Another thing that happens is cramping, usually felt down low in the abdomen. These pains will be stronger than menstrual cramps, and would be hard to ignore. Also, a clear sign a miscarriage is occurring is when the spotting during pregnancy is accompanied by clots or tissue coming out of the vagina. A miscarriage is usually the body’s way of removing an unhealthy pregnancy. It generally cannot be stopped or prevented. If the woman has had a miscarriage it doesn’t mean that she cannot carry a baby to term – many miscarriages are a one-time event.

Spotting during pregnancy can also be a sign of another severe problem, an ectopic pregnancy. These occur in only very infrequently, and are not something to be concerned about, unless you have an infection in your fallopian tubes, have had pelvic surgery, or have had an ectopic pregnancy before. Signs that there is an ectopic pregnancy are not just the spotting during pregnancy. There will also be cramping down low in the abdomen, as with a miscarriage. Also, there will usually be sharp pain felt in the abdomen area. A doctor can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy by testing the level of hCG in the body – an ectopic pregnancy will have low levels of hCG.

Some women have spotting during pregnancy right after intercourse. While pregnant, the cervix is sensitive, and can be injured. If this occurs, it is wise to discontinue intercourse until you can see your doctor or midwife to be sure everything is ok. Relax, though – a miscarriage is not caused by normal sexual intercourse. Once your midwife or doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can enjoy the closeness of sexual intimacy again.

Related posts:

1. Spotting In Early Pregnancy – What Does It Mean?
2. What about Cramps During Pregnancy?
3. Recognizing Abnormal Pain During Pregnancy
4. Bleeding During Pregnancy Could Be Cause for Concern
5. What and When? Signs of Early Pregnancy

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