Early pregnancy is a time of rapid changes, and spotting after a positive pregnancy test can be alarming. While it’s natural to worry, spotting isn’t always a cause for concern. In this blog, we explore the possible reasons for spotting during early pregnancy and what you should do next.
What Does Spotting Look Like?
You might see pink or brown on the tissue when you wipe, or in your underwear.[1] Spotting is short-lived, occurring only one to several times over the course of a few days.[2] Spotting is no longer spotting if accompanied by heavy bleeding, clots, or severe pain.
Bleeding that resembles your period isn’t typical during pregnancy. Bleeding isn’t always a sign that something is wrong, but heavy bleeding may mean there is a complication. It is important to seek medical attention if:
- The bleeding is heavy, soaking through pads or tampons quickly.
- The bleeding is accompanied by severe pain, cramping, or fever.
- The bleeding lasts for more than a few days.
- There is a foul odor or discharge.
- You have a history of miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy.
Spotting during pregnancy can be a common and normal occurrence.[3] Even so, it is important to monitor the amount, color, and duration of bleeding, and to seek medical advice if it becomes concerning.
1. Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding is a common cause of spotting after a positive pregnancy test. It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, typically 10 to 14 days after conception.[4] This light bleeding or spotting is usually pink or brown and lasts a few hours to three days.[5]
In a healthy pregnancy, implantation bleeding resolves on its own without medical intervention.[6] If you’re unsure whether your spotting is implantation bleeding, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
2. Vaginitis
Vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina, can cause spotting, discharge, or irritation.[7] Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase your risk of vaginitis, which can lead to spotting after a positive pregnancy test.[8]
Untreated vaginitis during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm labor[9], so prompt treatment is essential. Speak to your healthcare provider about pregnancy-safe medications and treatment options.
3. Cervical Irritation
The cervix is vascular and healthy. However, if bumped, it can leak a bit of blood. For example, sex or a vaginal exam can cause spotting. If you have light bleeding (a step up from spotting) after sex, take a two-week pause before you try again. If it happens again, abstain until you can talk to your OB.
4. UTI or STIs
Urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause spotting.[10][11] If you suspect a UTI (burning or itching with urination), see a medical provider for testing and antibiotics. If you suspect an active, recurring, or untreated STI, see a medical provider for testing and care.
5. Subchorionic Hemorrhage
Subchorionic hemorrhage is a collection of blood from the numerous blood vessels in the chorion, which is a vascular membrane that forms on the inside of the uterus.[12] This collection of blood (chorionic hemorrhage) is most often benign and may go away on its own without causing complications for the pregnancy.[13]
6. Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps are small, benign growths on the cervix that can cause spotting after a positive pregnancy test.[14] While rare during pregnancy, they may lead to light bleeding, especially after intercourse or a pelvic exam.
Your doctor may monitor or remove polyps depending on their size, location, and your specific condition.[15] Most cervical polyps are harmless, but they may need to be tested to rule out abnormalities.
7. Exercise or Lifting
Both exercise and heavy lifting can cause spotting or even bleeding. If you suspect you might have overdone it, rest and refrain from those activities again until you can talk to your OB.
Free Pregnancy Services in College Station, Texas
Experiencing spotting after a positive pregnancy test? You don’t have to navigate pregnancy alone. Hope Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential support to answer your questions.
Contact us at (979) 695-9193 or schedule an appointment online. All services are free and confidential.
This article is for informational purposes only. Hope Pregnancy Center does not provide treatment for ectopic pregnancy, only free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm the state of your pregnancy. Upon the confirmation of the ectopic pregnancy, please meet with your primary healthcare provider as quickly as possible to receive treatment.
Sources
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- American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Spotting During Pregnancy: What Does Spotting Look Like? https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/spotting-during-pregnancy/
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- Marnach, M. (2022, April 19). Is implantation bleeding common in early pregnancy?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257#
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 16). Implantation Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms & What to Expect. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding
- See source #5.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 30). Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 22). Vaginitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February 11). Does vaginitis affect a pregnant woman & her infant?. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vaginitis/conditioninfo/pregnancy#
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, January 7). Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blood-in-urine/symptoms-causes/syc-20353432
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 12). Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 20). Subchorionic Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23511-subchorionic-hematoma
- See source #12.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 11). Cervical Polyp: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24436-cervical-polyp
- See source #14.