5 Reasons You’re Spotting After a Positive Pregnancy Test

Early pregnancy can be a stressful and confusing time. As your body starts to change, you may experience new symptoms every day. The one thing you least expect is spotting.

We get it—it’s easy to panic when you first start spotting. Thankfully, it’s not always a sign that something’s wrong! In this blog, we’ll explain 5 possible reasons you’re spotting after a positive pregnancy test.

What is Spotting?

Spotting usually involves a few drops of light pink, red, or dark brown blood, but it’s not enough to fill a panty liner. You may see a few drops of blood in your underwear, or when you wipe after urination.[1]

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is a small amount of light bleeding or spotting, typically between 10 to 14 days after conception.[2] It’s a very common early pregnancy symptom and isn’t usually a cause for alarm. 

Implantation bleeding can last from a few hours to a few days. It will rarely last longer than three days.[3] In a healthy pregnancy, it should stop on its own without the need for medical treatment.[4]

Vaginitis 

Vaginitis refers to different disorders that cause infection, discharge, and spotting.[5] It can be caused by various things, including the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy.[6]

Women who develop vaginitis during pregnancy are at greater risk of going into labor and giving birth too early[7], so it’s crucial to get treated as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are a number of pregnancy-friendly medications available for vaginitis! Speak to your doctor to receive a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Some infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections can cause light spotting in early pregnancy.[8] Other symptoms of a STI include burning or itching near your vagina, vaginal discharge with an odor, painful urination, or bumps near your vagina.[9] 

If you suspect an STI, call Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic today to make an appointment. 

Molar Pregnancy 

A molar pregnancy occurs when a noncancerous tumor forms in place of a placenta. Unfortunately, the tumor can’t support the growing embryo and the pregnancy eventually ends.[10] A common symptom of molar pregnancies is vaginal bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy.[11]

Thankfully, most women who receive treatment for their molar pregnancies don’t experience any further complications.[2] Your risk for future miscarriage does not increase, but you are at a slightly higher risk of another molar pregnancy.[13] Additionally, you will need to receive regular follow-up care to monitor your risk for cancer. 

Early Miscarriage or Ectopic Pregnancy

Although spotting is common in the first trimester, it can also be a symptom of early miscarriage.[14] A miscarriage is often accompanied by cramping or pain in your lower back or pelvic area, and tissue or fluid passing from your vagina.[15] 

Another possibility is an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. Some ectopic pregnancies can cause a rupture in the abdomen, leading to life-threatening bleeding.[16]

Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot continue. Once discovered, you must receive treatment as quickly as possible. Your doctor may prescribe a medication called methotrexate, which stops the fertilized egg from growing.17] In some cases, surgery is required.[18]

Early warning signs of ectopic pregnancy include shoulder pain, pelvic pain, and light bleeding.[19] If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, go to the emergency room right away to receive treatment. Treatment for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies is legal in all states.

Common Questions About Spotting

Is spotting normal after getting a positive pregnancy test? 

Yes, light spotting can be completely normal in early pregnancy. Implantation bleeding, which occurs 10-14 days after conception, is one of the most common causes of spotting after a positive test. However, it's always best to contact your healthcare provider to rule out any complications.[20] 

How can I tell the difference between implantation bleeding and my period? 

Implantation bleeding is usually much lighter than a normal period, often appearing as light pink or brown spotting rather than bright red flow. It typically lasts only 1-3 days compared to a full menstrual cycle, and occurs earlier than when your period would normally be due.[21]

How can I tell the difference between implantation bleeding and a miscarriage?

Implantation bleeding is typically light pink, red, or dark brown and lasts only a few hours to a few days. It's usually just a few drops that won't fill a panty liner. Miscarriage bleeding is often heavier and may be accompanied by cramping, lower back pain, pelvic pain, and tissue passing from the vagina. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.[22]

Can infections cause spotting in early pregnancy?

Yes, both vaginitis and sexually transmitted infections can cause light spotting during early pregnancy. Vaginitis can be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, while STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea may also cause bleeding. These conditions require treatment to prevent complications, so it's important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and pregnancy-safe treatment options.

Should I rest or avoid activities if I'm spotting? 

While light spotting often doesn't require bed rest, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's specific advice. They may recommend avoiding heavy lifting, intense exercise, or sexual activity until the cause is determined and the spotting resolves.

Free Pregnancy Services in Cookeville, Tennessee

You don’t have to navigate pregnancy (and all the crazy symptoms that come with it) alone. Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic is here to help! We provide free pregnancy tests, free limited ultrasounds, and a compassionate environment to ask questions and get answers. 

Give us a call at (931) 526-5525 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! 

This blog is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as medical advice. Speak to your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing spotting or bleeding while pregnant.

Sources

1. Bleeding During Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 27). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22044-bleeding-during-pregnancy
2. Marnach, M. (2022, April 19). Is implantation bleeding common in early pregnancy?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257#  
3. Implantation Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms & What to Expect. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding  
4. See source #2.
5. Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 30). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis  
6. Vaginitis. Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 22). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707   
7. Does vaginitis affect a pregnant woman & her infant?. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February 11). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vaginitis/conditioninfo/pregnancy#  
8. Bleeding During Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 27). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22044-bleeding-during-pregnancy
9. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis#symptoms-and-causes
10. Molar Pregnancy: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 26). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17889-molar-pregnancy  
11. See source #10.
12. See source #10.
13. See source #10.
14. Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298  
15. See source #14.
16. Varma, R., & Gupta, J. (2009, April 20). Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907783/ 
17. Ectopic Pregnancy - Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093 
18. Ectopic Pregnancy - Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
19. See source #18. 
20. See source #1.
21. See source #3.