Spotting during pregnancy:  What causes it and what do you do

One of the first things you may think when you notice that you are spotting while you are pregnant is if something is wrong. A lot of questions may pop up in your mind and you may start getting concerned because of the possibility of a  miscarriage.  There is a lot of specific symptoms that goes along with a miscarriage aside from just spotting.

In a typical pregnancy some women do spot, normally in the first three months of pregnancy.  This is caused by your body adjusting to the hormone levels and could happen around the time of your normal period.  As a rule vaginal spotting (discharge) if light and clear is normal. Understanding the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy will help you know what to look for and what to do.

You need to consult your doctor to make sure that there are no pregnancy risks and your spotting is just an early sign of pregnancy.  Here are some of the possible causes of vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy include:

• Implantation in the Uterus – Bleeding can occur when the embryo is attached to the walls of the uterus.
• Ectopic Pregnancy – Bleeding can also occur when the embryo develops in the fallopian tube called a tubal pregnancy.
• Infections – Yeast infections, bacterial infections even sexually transmitted infections can also cause spotting.
• Soften of the cervix – Normally after about 37 weeks spotting could occur.
• Irritated or Inflamed Cervix – Spotting can occur after having a Pap smear and sometimes after intercourse.
• Miscarriage – During the first 12 weeks spotting could be a warning sign of a miscarriage.
• Molar Pregnancy – When an abnormal mass forms inside the uterus after fertilization.

IMPORTANT… If your spotting goes away within a day do not be concerned and tell your doctor about it on your next visit.  If your bleeding last more that a day contact your health care provider as soon as possible.  If you have any abdominal pain, cramping, fever or chills during the time of spotting contact your doctor like right now.