Spotting during pregnancy, although scary, is a common occurrence in the earlier stages of pregnancy. It is a light bleeding very similar to that of the menstrual bleeding.
This may be seen in any of the pregnancy phases however, it is more common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Usually the colour of the blood is red, brown or pink in colour.
The first thing that comes to mind after seeing some spotting is the fear of miscarriage. However, spotting is just one of the symptoms of miscarriage and hence without proper check up, nothing can be said.
Spotting during pregnancy is generally seen in the first three months of pregnancy due to hormonal actions. While the body adjusts to the increasing hormone levels during pregnancy, spotting takes place and it happens sometimes around the menstrual due dates.
Hence many women take it as of their regular periods and don’t even realize that they are pregnant!
Normally spotting is seen in the middle of the regular cycle or some ten to fourteen days before the start of the next cycle. When it occurs during the ovulation, it is considered as a good fertility sign.
Spotting takes place as the egg bursts through the follicle and as the estrogen level increases during ovulation. This spotting is termed as implantation bleeding. Spots are also seen during sex or the intercourse.
This is due to the blood flowing to the cervix during pregnancy. Therefore, it is often recommended to refrain from sex during pregnancy.
You may also find spots combined with abdominal pain and cramps, this may be a serious condition in pregnancy. It could be either a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
In both the cases, it is urgent to bring the situations to the notice of your doctor. Ectopic conditions can be sometimes life threatening!
Spotting during pregnancy can also be a symptom of placental abruption or premature labour. This is usually seen in the second and third trimesters.
There could be other complications as well, especially if the bleeding is heavy. So it better to consult your health care provider as soon as you find it.
You may also find spots while your due date is nearing. This could be a mucus discharge with blood. This condition usually pops up in the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy and is not much of a concern. It just indicates that the cervix has softened in its preparation for the delivery.
Spotting during pregnancy can also occur due to non-pregnancy related reasons. Vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections can cause irritations to the cervix and make it inflammable.
This may result in spotting. However, in vaginal infections like bacterial or yeast infection, the discharged spots would be yellowish in colour with blood traces and accompanied with a bad odour.
These spots are also characterized with pain with urination or intercourse, itching and burning. Caused due to the action of yeast and microorganisms, these infections need to be treated properly as they may be contracted by the baby as well.
Spotting due to sexually transmitted infections may be yellow or green and frothy with an unpleasant odour. Other symptoms include red, irritated and itchy vagina.
Treating such kind of infections is important and they add complications to the baby. The child may be born below the average weight and may also show certain disorders.
Besides the above mentioned cases, there are also rare cases where the reason for the spots remained hidden. Then 
also, pregnant women have enjoyed their full term pregnancy and have delivered healthy babies!
In order to overcome spotting during pregnancy, it is important to stay away from infections. This could be done by keeping the genital areas clean and dry.
You can also avoid tight and nylon pants and may go for cotton undergarments. Use of scented pads or toilet papers is also hazardous, hence must be avoided.
Douching during pregnancy must be discouraged and again, refraining from sex during this time is also necessary so as to check the spotting.
In case of missed or incomplete abortions, pregnant women are required to be admitted in the hospital so as to remove the remaining tissues of the foetus, if any.
This is important to prevent further complications and infections. If there is a case of uterus rupture, then there is an urgent need for the caesarean section delivery.
With all the facts and information in hand, spotting during pregnancy is usually harmless and goes without any complications.
However, if you have any slightest doubt regarding this, then contact your doctor as early as possible. At least, you can be assured of your pregnancy, if everything is fine!
More Resources:
1. Bleeding and Spotting During Pregnancy
2. Spotting During Pregnancy – American Pregnancy Association
