What causes early bleeding?

The cause of bleeding early in pregnancy is often unknown. But many factors early in pregnancy may lead to light bleeding (called spotting) or heavier bleeding. These include:

• Having sex.

• The fertilized egg attaching on the uterine wall.

• Bleeding between the amniotic sac and the uterus.

• Pregnancy loss (miscarriage).

• The embryo attaching outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).

If you see spotting

Light bleeding is the most common type of bleeding in early pregnancy. If you see it, contact your provider. It's likely that they will tell you that you can care for yourself at home.

If tests are needed

Depending on how much you bleed, your provider may ask you to come in for some tests. A pelvic exam, for instance, can help see how far along your pregnancy is. You also may have an ultrasound or a Doppler test. These imaging tests use sound waves to check the health of your baby. The ultrasound may be done on your belly or inside your vagina.

You may also need a special blood test. This test compares your hormone levels in blood samples taken 2 days apart. The results can help your provider learn more about the implantation of the embryo.

Ultrasound can help check the health of your fetus.

Questions you may be asked

When you tell your provider that you are having some bleeding, they may ask you questions like these to help find the cause of your bleeding:

• When did your bleeding start?

• Is your bleeding very light or is it like a period?

• Is the blood bright red or brownish?

• Have you had sex recently?

• Have you had pain or cramping?

• Have you felt dizzy or faint?

Warning signs

If your bleeding doesn’t stop or if you have any of the following, get medical care right away:

• Soaking a sanitary pad in one hour or less

• Bleeding like you’re having a period

• Cramping or severe belly pain

• Feeling dizzy or faint

• Having clots that may contain blood or tissue coming out of your vagina

• Bleeding at any time after the first trimester