Spotting can occur in any woman of any age and can stem from vaginal, uterine or ovarian causes. Women who are pregnant may experience spotting in early pregnancy and may experience this spotting during the normal time a period would occur.
Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy
The menstrual cycle begins when the lining of the uterus has shed along with blood. This happens for three to seven days of the first week of a normal menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is controlled by a balance of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. The pituitary gland releases a steady stream of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, which causes the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. The production of these hormones stimulates a follicle within the ovary to mature an egg. Midway through the menstrual cycle, the luteinizing hormone surges, causing both estrogen and progesterone to rise. This causes the follicle to rupture and release the fully matured egg. This process is known as ovulation. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus will break down and shed as a menstrual period.
Spotting
Light bleeding that occurs for a small amount of time outside a menstrual cycle is known as spotting. Spotting can be red, pink or brown and is usually in such a small amount that most women only notice it when wiping themselves after going to the restroom or as a stain in their underwear. Spotting is a common side effect of birth-control pills and is also experienced by women who have a hormonal imbalance. Spotting in early pregnancy can occur when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterine lining. This is called implantation bleeding.
Causes
In addition to implantation bleeding, spotting in early pregnancy can also occur from breakthrough bleeding. This occurs when the body is still trying to adjust the hormone levels during pregnancy. Women who experience this type of bleeding may experience it during the time of a normal menstrual cycle. Other causes of spotting in early pregnancy are trauma to the stomach, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal or cervical inflammation, cervical polyps, fibroids, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
Spotting in Pregnancy
Women who are experiencing spotting in early pregnancy may not even be aware that they are pregnant and may actually believe the spotting to be a sign of an impending period. Spotting or any bleeding during pregnancy is not considered normal, although in most cases it causes no harm. Spotting in pregnancy is experienced by one in 10 women, according to AskBaby.com.
Warnings
Bleeding or spotting of any kind during pregnancy should be reported immediately to a physician. Seek emergency care if the bleeding gets heavier, is accompanied by blood clots, brown clots that resemble ground coffee, extreme abdominal pain or dizziness.
