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According to the March of Dimes, two or three of every ten pregnant women will have some bleeding during the first trimester. Some spotting is common and may be perfectly normal. However, spotting can also be an indication that something is wrong with the pregnancy. If you are spotting, you should contact your doctor if only for you peace of mind.

First-Trimester Spotting

Spotting in the first trimester may be caused by:...

According to the March of Dimes, two or three of every ten pregnant women will have some bleeding during the first trimester. Some spotting is common and may be perfectly normal. However, spotting can also be an indication that something is wrong with the pregnancy. If you are spotting, you should contact your doctor if only for you peace of mind.

First-Trimester Spotting

Spotting in the first trimester may be caused by:

• A sensitive cervix: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume can cause bleeding from your cervix. Also after intercourse or a pelvic exam your cervix may bleed.
• Implantation: Ten to 14 days after an egg is fertilized it will implant in the uterus. This can sometimes cause spotting or even menstrual-like bleeding.
• Miscarriage: Fifteen to 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first trimester, usually because the embryo is not viable. If you are miscarrying, all your pregnancy symptoms may abruptly go away and you will probably experience painful cramping and heavier bleeding, according to Dr. Henry Lerner, author of "Miscarriage: Why it Happens and How Best to Reduce your Risks."

Second- and Third-Trimester Spotting

Light spotting in the second and third trimester is much less common. Bleeding -- not just spotting -- at this time usually has one of several worrisome causes:

• Cervical problems: You may have an infection in your cervix, which is causing bleeding, or your cervix may be opening prematurely.
• Premature labor: If you are bleeding and having period-like cramps this could be an indication that you are in labor.
• Placenta Problems: Placenta previa is when the placenta obstructs the birth canal, causing bright red bleeding. Placenta abruption is when the placenta separates from the uterine wall, causing cramping and light or heavy bleeding.
• Uterine rupture: According to the Mayo Clinic, this is a rare but life-threatening occurrence where the uterus tears open at a C-section scar. It causes intense pain and bleeding and an emergency C-section will be necessary.<./li>

What Is Bloody Show?

Some women think they are spotting when actually they are having what's known as "bloody show," a stringy viscous discharge sometimes tinged with blood. This is the mucous plug that protects your cervix from infection and passing it may be a sign that labor is imminent.

Safety Note

If you experience any bleeding heavier than spotting in the second or third trimester, accompanied by fever, chills, or cramping, you need to contact your health care provider right away and may need to go to the hospital.

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