Spotting or bleeding in early pregnancy

December 7, 2020

You might be reading this because it’s happened to you in your 1st trimester and you’re frantically searching if spotting or bleeding in pregnancy is normal. Let me start off by sharing that spotting can happen in early pregnancy and it is more likely a healthy pregnancy than not. It’s especially common in IVF pregnancies. In fact, more than 50% of women will spot or bleed in the first trimester of an IVF pregnancy. So if that’s you, it’s more likely you will move on from this to a healthy pregnancy than you won’t. Of course there are no guarantees, but those are the chances.

What to do if you have spotting or bleeding

I know it’s stressful. I had spotting in my healthy pregnancy and I sympathize with the worry that comes with it. Here’s what to do.

Lie down. Take it easy.
- But if it is a very heavy bleed, go to the Emergency Room (ER). A heavy bleed is when you soak a thick menstrual pad every hour for 2 hours straight or more. Or call your doctor on call.
- A heavy bleed is unlikely, but if this is you then I’m sorry for this added stress. This does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage.
Call your fertility clinic or doctors office. If you’re with a fertility clinics and it’s after hours, you can still call but they will likely tell you to rest and look into it the next day or couple days from now with a blood test and/or a ultrasound or else go to the ER.
Take some deep breaths and do some relaxing techniques. Scroll down for ideas.

More information on 1st trimester spotting or bleeding

You’ll probably still be wondering what this could mean. This is where I defer to an expert, Dr. Beth Taylor from Olive Fertility Centre. She lists why a pregnant person may spot or bleed in the first trimester but this list could apply to non-IVF pregnancies (except #1 if you’re not on medications). Spotting or bleeding could be:

‘bleeding from the medications or the medication applicator touching the cervix,
spilling of blood from vessels in the uterus that are being invaded by the growing pregnancy,
polyps, fibroid, or other growths on or in the uterus or cervix,
infections of the cervix,
ectopic pregnancy, or
miscarriage. ‘

Bleeding or spotting could also be due or worsened by being on medication like aspirin. Depending on how far along you are, it could also be placenta previa or a low lying placenta where the placenta is partially, marginally or completely covering the cervix and causing spotting or bleeding. This would be confirmed in an ultrasound. Placenta previa is very likely to eventually resolve on its own and there is no treatment other than to monitor.

There are many unknown reasons for spotting and bleeding. Talk to your doctor about your pregnancy.

What to do next

If you are waiting for confirmation or managing the stress of continued spotting or bleeding in your otherwise healthy pregnancy, first remember that there’s nothing you or doctors can do to stop a miscarriage and in most cases, nothing to do to stop the bleeding from happening. You can eventually get an ultrasound to look into the source.

But what is in your control is relaxing, letting go and managing any stress or anxiety. I know it’s easier said than done! Here are some ideas on this page and below to give a try if you haven’t already found ways to manage.

Do activities that require you to work with your hands that can be meditative, like knitting or stitching or colouring.
Listen to a podcast with positive, uplifting stories or ones that make you laugh.
A coach and in particular a fertility coach or a counsellor/therapist may be right for you at this time. Talking often helps.
Join a an online support group such as on Facebook or through Fertility Matters Canada.
If you’re spending lots of time at home, put on some fragrant candles and use lavender or other relaxing smelling soaps.
Try some deep breathing exercises. Here are a couple of videos below.

It’s hard, but you can and you will get through this. I’m sending a big, smothering hug to you! And if you want to talk, book a call. You’ve got me by your side.

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