It can be daunting to see a few drops of blood in your underwear or on some toilet tissue after you’ve wiped. It’s easy to think the worst and worry that something might be wrong.

Experiencing light bleeding or spotting is a relatively common occurrence during pregnancy and is usually nothing to worry about. However, there are some things you need to know just to be on the safe side.

Let’s first explore what spotting looks like.

What is spotting?

Spotting is similar to a period but is a lot lighter and can vary in colour. In the first few weeks and months, you may notice a reddy brown discharge. The darker the colour, the older it is but this does not need to be a cause for concern. Even though red or brown spotting is usually harmless, make sure you let your doctor or midwife know so they can advise you if needs be.

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, red or brown discharge or spotting is very common and something that one in four mums will experience.

In most cases, pregnancies carry on as normal despite some bleeding, but sometimes it may signal something more serious, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This is why it’s best to contact your doctor or midwife if you experience any type of bleeding.

But in many cases, spotting or light bleeding is a normal part of pregnancy and will stop on its own.

So, let’s take a look at why you’re experiencing spotting or light bleeding.

What causes vaginal bleeding?

Implantation bleeding. Early on in pregnancy, it’s common to experience some light bleeding or spotting when the embryo plants itself on the lining of the uterus. This can trigger a few days of light bleeding around the time your period is due and can happen before a woman knows she is pregnant, which is why this bleeding is often mistaken for a period.

Cervical changes. As your growing baby causes changes to the cervix, this can sometimes cause bleeding - for example, after sex.
Uterine fibroids. These are non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of your womb and may cause bleeding.
Cervical polyp. A harmless growth on your cervix.
Vaginal infection. Some women who have a UTI experience blood in their urine.

What are the more serious causes of vaginal bleeding?

Miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen during the first 12 weeks and happen to about 1 in 5 pregnancies. If you are experiencing a miscarriage, the bleeding will usually accompany stomach cramps and the bleeding would become heavier.

Ectopic pregnancy. This is when a fertilised egg is implanted outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Because the egg cannot survive, it needs to be removed. If you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, the bleeding will usually accompany stomach pain on one side and discomfort while peeing or pooing.

If you experience any type of bleeding, be sure to contact your doctor or midwife who will be able to advise you.

What do I need to know about vaginal bleeding in pregnancy?

It's concerning but can be indicative of a number of things, says Unii.