Pregnant. Noticed Spotting. Will This Cause Any Complication?

Posted on Thu, 14 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 Answered on

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 16 weeks pregnant and seeing some light blood occasionally during the week. It is a minimal amount and I see once in a day and maybe after 3 days after. Why?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (35 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX,

Thanks for writing to us.

There are several reasons for occasional spotting in pregnancy.
1.Implantation bleeding, as the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall- seen usually around 9 days after ovulation.
2.Infections of the vagina as the immunity is lowered during pregnancy
3.Polyps of the cervix or inflamed cervix that may cause spotting or bleeding after intercourse
4. Inadequate progesterone supply as the placenta takes over from the corpus luteum, usually around 12-14 weeks of pregnancy
5.Low-lying placenta may cause spotting with intercourse
6.Ectopic or molar pregnancy

As we exclude these causes one by one, it seems most likely from the clinical picture that you need to exclude any local cause or progesterone deficiency that sometimes presents at this stage. If you do not have spotting after avoiding intercourse ( which you should be doing now), you may exclude local and placental causes.

I would suggest you to pay a visit to your obstetrician for an evaluation of the state of your pregnancy and if needed get hormonal supplementation or other needed advice. Take bed rest, avoid stress and intercourse.

I hope I have clarified your doubts. If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar