If I'm pregnant, should I be worried about spotting?

Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD

Emergency Medicine

If you're pregnant, spotting and bleeding can be perfectly normal—or it can be a sign of troulbe. In this video, I will explain when you should see your OBGYN for spotting.

Rabiya Suleman, MD on behalf of Overland Park Regional Medical Center

OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Some spotting is normal. Brown blood is usually okay, but red blood may indicate active bleeding, and could even be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy early on. However, you should talk to your doctor any time you have any kind of spotting.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pregnancy Complications

Complications can fall into the category that is harmful to the baby and/or harmful to the mother. Many women develop gestational diabetes, which only affects the mother. Preeclampsia, which elevates the blood pressure of the mother during pregnancy, can be harmful to both mother and baby. Ectopic pregnancies can put both the mother and baby at risk when the embryo attaches to the fallopian tube, instead of moving to the uterus. Miscarriages or premature births can also happen to pregnant women with certain risk factors. When going through labor, progress can slow, causing distress for the baby and mother. In some cases, a C-section is needed to keep from causing harm to both the baby and mother.

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