Bleeding during pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy means spotting or bleeding from the vagina. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy and may range from light spotting to heavy bleeding.

Spotting and vaginal bleeding are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. 

Spotting or light bleeding in early pregnancy does not always mean you are having a miscarriage. Many people who experience light spotting go on to have a healthy pregnancy. 

Heavy bleeding, bleeding with pain or bleeding in later pregnancy (after 20 weeks) may be a sign that something needs medical attention.

The causes of spotting or bleeding during pregnancy often depend on how far along your pregnancy is. Some causes are more common in early pregnancy (the first trimester).

Others are more common later in pregnancy, such as after 20 weeks.

Causes which may happen at any stage of pregnancy include:

• urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• injuries to the genital tract
• growths or tumours of the reproductive system
• bleeding from vulvovaginal varicosities (varicose veins in the vulva or vagina)

If you bleed during pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife. Your antenatal care provider can advise you about what to do next.

It can be helpful to note down details about what you have been experiencing. This may include:

• the amount and colour of any discharge
• whether you have passed any clots
• whether you have had any abdominal pain

If you are having heavy bleeding, it's a good idea to keep your pads or stained clothes to show your doctor or midwife.

Your doctor or midwife will try to diagnose the cause of your bleeding by doing the following:

• Asking questions — about your bleeding, any other symptoms you have, your pregnancy and general health.
• Vaginal examination — to assess any ongoing bleeding, size of your uterus and look for a visible cause.
• Blood tests — to check your pregnancy hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels). hCG is made by your placenta and is normally found in your blood and urine. Your hormone levels can give your doctor or midwife important information about how your pregnancy is progressing.
• Referring you for an ultrasound scan — to assess your baby's heartbeat, signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, position and health of your placenta.

It may take some time to work out what is causing your bleeding. You may need to have several blood tests or ultrasound scans over a few days or weeks. This can be a stressful time, so consider seeking support from your partner or someone else you trust.

In some situations, your spotting or bleeding may stop on its own without your doctor or midwife finding a cause.

Learn about the checkups, tests and scans available during your pregnancy.

Spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy is very common and does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage. Many people who experience spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy go on to have healthy babies.

In some cases, bleeding can be a sign of a miscarriage. If you are experiencing bleeding in pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife for advice.

• Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available from 7 am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
• Visit or contact PANDA national helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306 if you are feeling anxious or depressed.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

• The Royal Women's Hospital website has information pages about bleeding in early pregnancy in Arabic, Chinese, Somali, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese.