Spotting during pregnancy can be a scary thing for expectant moms because it can happen for a variety of reasons. The most important thing to note is that if you are pregnant and have spotting, you need to contact your doctor immediately so you can be examined.
About 25% of women have spotting during pregnancy and more than half of them do not have any major problems before giving birth. However, there are other problems which must be monitored carefully.
Spotting during pregnancy can occur early on and can sometimes be attributed to the fertilized egg implanting itself in the uterine lining. In addition, internal examinations by your doctor cause this problem sometimes, as can sex. It’s quite normal.
An ectopic pregnancy can also cause spotting during pregnancy. This happens when the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterine wall. In this case, you could experience some stomach pain, usually on one side. Some women believed that they were having appendicitis.
A miscarriage can cause spotting during pregnancy and usually occurs before 20 weeks. There are a number of reasons for miscarriage from infection to problems with placental blood low or even abnormalities in the baby. Typically, with the spotting is also cramping too.
If you are far along and experience spotting during pregnancy, this could mean several things. First, it could be a signal that labor is starting. However, spotting during pregnancy in the late stages could also mean placenta previa or placental abruption. In placenta previa, the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix. Only with an ultrasound can this condition be diagnosed. With placental abruption, the placenta could detach itself from the uterine wall. This is a very serious condition which could cause death to the mother, baby or both.
Luckily, most incidences of spotting during pregnancy are fairly benign and resolve themselves. However, only with a doctor’s examination will you know for sure.