Spotting Period During Early Pregnancy

Spotting Period During Early Pregnancy

There are many problems and concerns that a pregnant lady may face. One such concern is spotted bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy. Spotting is not age specific and can occur in women of every age. The reason behind spotting may be related to the ovaries, the uterus, or the vagina. Spotting sometimes occurs during early pregnancy. The time of spotting usually co-relates with the time of menstrual bleeding had you not been pregnant. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

The Menstrual Cycle

When you have your period, what actually happens is that the uterine lining is shed. Along with this, some blood is shed too and this is called a period. The shedding occurs for a minimum of three days and can continue for about seven days in general. Progesterone and estrogen are the two female hormones that are responsible for the regulation and control of the menstrual cycle.

The master gland or the pituitary gland releases two hormones namely, LH or luteinizing hormone and FSH or follicle stimulating hormone. When this happens, the ovaries are stimulated to produce progesterone and estrogen. These hormones in turn play a role in the maturation of a follicle in the ovary into an egg.

In the middle of the menstrual cycle, the levels of the luteinizing hormone will increase rapidly and this brings about the increase in the levels of both the female hormones. At this time, the follicle ruptures and a mature egg is released as a result. This is the process of ovulation.

If the egg is fertilized, pregnancy is the result. If it is not, the uterine lining will break and start shedding. You will thus have your next period.

So What Exactly is Spotting?

Spotting is nothing but a little bleeding that occurs outside the menstrual cycle. Spotting may not be necessarily red. It may be pink or even brown in some cases. Sometimes it is so light that women don’t even realize it until they wipe themselves. Usually spotting occurs in those who use birth-control pills. It is often a side effect of the contraceptives. Also, if you have hormonal imbalance, you might experience spotting from time to time.

Why Spotting During Early Pregnancy?

Spotting during early pregnancy occurs generally when the fertilized egg is implanting itself in the lining of the uterus. Such spotting is also known as implantation bleeding because it occurs during implantation. Generally if women experience spotting in early pregnancy, they may mistake it as a sign of period because they are not aware that they are pregnant.

Know that spotting or any kind during any point of time during pregnancy is not normal. It is, however, pretty common and one in every ten pregnant women experiences spotting. In most cases it is harmless but it is definitely not normal to encounter bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding is just one of the many reasons. Another reason behind spotting may be breakthrough bleeding. As you know, hormonal levels surge during pregnancy and it takes time for the body to actually adjust to this sudden increase. Thus, a little spotting occurs. Other reasons may include fibroids, molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, cervical polyps, cervical inflammation, vaginal inflammation, STDs, and trauma to the belly.

When to call the doctor

Even if it is light bleeding or spotting, you should call your doctor immediately to rule out any threats. You will need emergency care if the bleeding continues and gets heavier or if you see blood clots or brown colored clots and experience dizziness and abdominal pain.

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Dr. Prabha Sahgal, MD
Dr. Prabha Sahgal, MD | ConceiveEasy
Dr. Prabha Sahgal MD, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Sahgal holds a B.S. degree from MIT in molecular biology and currently serves on the ConceiveEasy board of directors.

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