Vaginal spotting is a scary occurrence for some pregnant women. It can be a sign of some very normal pregnancy milestones or it can be a signal that something is amiss. In any case, a call to your healthcare provider is warranted. Determining the reason for the spotting often starts with detailing the spotting to your healthcare provider. You need to make note of the color of the spotting. It may be pink, dark red or brown. Make note of how heavy the spotting is. It may be just a few drops on a pantyliner or a spot on the tissue after using the bathroom. It may be heavier -- like a period. Also make note of any other symptoms you have before, during or after the spotting.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. This occurs approximately six to 12 days after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Implantation bleeding may last for a few days or a few hours, depending on the woman. The spotting is usually very light, and it may be accompanied by some light cramping.
Cervical Irritation
A pregnant woman may experience some bleeding after intercourse. This is due to cervical irritation. During pregnancy, the cervix becomes sensitive and the friction of intercourse may break blood vessels that are now pushed against the surface of the cervix. If you experience spotting after intercourse, you should avoid intercourse until you have been checked by your healthcare provider to ensure that everything with your pregnancy is fine.
Placenta Complications
Spotting and vaginal bleeding are associated with placenta previa, which occurs in approximately one out of 100 pregnancies, according to the American Pregnancy Asociation. This condition occurs when the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. In some cases, the placenta may separate from the uterine wall, usually during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is called placental abruption. Abdominal pain usually accompanies the bleeding when an abruption occurs. Either of these situations requires immediate medical care.
Impending Labor
As your cervix begins to thin and dilate, you will lose your mucus plug. When this occurs, you will experience a thick and stringy discharge that is blood-tinged or blood-streaked.This is a perfectly normal occurrence that can mean labor will start immediately or as far away as a few weeks. As long as you are within two weeks of your due date, losing your mucus plug isn't any cause for concern. If you are more than two weeks away from your due date, contact your healthcare provider, because you may be going into preterm labor.
Other Problems
There are some other less-common reasons for spotting during pregnancy. Some of these include a molar pregnancy, a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer or a cervical infection. These conditions are all serious conditions that require urgent medical care.
