Here's What To Look Out For If You're Spotting During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be the most wonderful time in a woman's life. She is carrying her most precious cargo, and preparing to give her new baby a loving, nurtured life filled with smiles and laughter. One of the scariest things a pregnant mom can face is the sight of blood or spotting, which can send her into panic mode. Spotting can come in different colors, so what color spotting is safe during pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), about 20 percent of women experience spotting during their first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The APA explained that this spotting has a lighter flow than your regular period, and that the color varies from red, pink, and brown.

The website also noted that there are many reasons you might experience spotting, including implantation bleeding, which is a common cause of spotting in early pregnancy and appears to be pinkish brown, dark brown, or rust colored, and looks more aged than fresh red blood. The APA further explained that while vaginal bleeding during pregnancy occurs more during the first trimester of pregnancy, and may not be serious, bleeding during the second and third trimester of pregnancy can be a sign of complications.

What To Expect explained that apart from implantation bleeding, if what you see is pink or brownish spotting, it could just be old blood passing due to irritation of your sensitive cervix from intercourse, or a vaginal exam. They also noted that if what you see is bright red, it can be considered bleeding, and may be caused by an underlying complication.

The APA suggested contacting your physician if you see spotting or bleeding during your pregnancy, and to let them know what symptoms you're experiencing. The organization added that 50 percent of women who have bleeding during pregnancy go on to have healthy babies, so try not to panic. It's always best to be checked out before you make any assumptions.