Spotting During Pregnancy
Save this one, because even if you’re not in your childbearing season right now — you love someone who is, or will be. And yes, there is something she can do when miscarriage threatens.
As a midwife, I’ve been getting calls about spotting for over 40 years. Women are scared, and their husbands or partners are scared too. What’s most needed in these moments is gentle reassurance and practical information — so they can make decisions that are best for them.
As you’re reading this, I want you to keep something in mind. Remember that you are the best head of your health care team. Your intuition and common sense bring valuable insight to your situation, regardless of how much you may need or value the expertise of others.
If at any point you feel uneasy — the bleeding continues heavier than a period, or you’re in pain — reach out to your midwife, care provider, or local clinic. It doesn’t need to be a panic situation, just honor your instincts and get the support you need.
Here’s the conversation I often have with mothers who call about spotting. These are general considerations; if you have particular health conditions, take those into account. If in doubt, call or get help.
Spotting isn’t necessarily a miscarriage. It can sometimes be the start of one, but often it’s not.
Try to stay calm. Light spotting is not uncommon and can happen in perfectly healthy pregnancies.
Have you recently had sex? The cervix is more sensitive during pregnancy and can bruise easily, sometimes causing light brown spotting a day or two later.
What’s the color? Brown blood is older and not active bleeding; bright red means it’s happening now and may need extra attention.
How much bleeding? A dark smudge when wiping is much less concerning than soaking pads. If you soak a pad in under 30 minutes, more than twice in a row, seek help promptly.
Notice cramping. Cramping that comes in waves, is sharp, or moves into your back is more worrisome than occasional, mild sensations.
Somewhere between 10–25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first trimester, usually because something about how the baby is growing simply isn’t compatible with life. In very early pregnancies, there’s usually not much medical intervention can do in those circumstances — and many miscarriages complete safely at home without complications. If the baby is healthy and the placenta is still (even mostly) attached, the bleeding can subside and the pregnancy can continue in a healthy way.
If you need or wish to seek medical care, here’s what you might expect from a hospital or clinic visit:
Ultrasound - to determine the gestational age, size, and heartbeat of the baby. This is usually the first thing they do, which gives immediate info on the state of your pregnancy. If the pregnancy if very early (under 9 weeks or so?), it’s like done with a vaginal ultrasound (not abdominal).
Bloodwork — to check hormone levels (certain hormones rise as a healthy pregnancy progresses). If levels are low but the pregnancy is still viable, topical natural progesterone creams can sometimes help.
Be emotionally prepared. Unfortunately, tender, sensitive care isn’t always guaranteed in a medical setting, but it’s especially needed in these circumstances. Bring a supportive person with you for comfort and advocacy.
Naturopathic supports I’ve found most useful over the years include:
Homeopathic Aconitum (Aconite) — for shock and bright red bleeding.
Homeopathic Arnica - to encourage capillary repair relating to ‘bruising’ type of symptoms, especially if there is a diagnosis of subchorionic hematoma. (Arnica will not cause contractions.)
Magnesium — as a supplement (moderate amounts, just before the point of cramping with loose stools) or homeopathically (6x), to help calm uterine cramping.
Herbal Red Raspberry - I recommend this herb wholeheartedly for general toning the uterus and supporting fertility and pregnancy with most women. There’s misinformation floating around online about raspberry leaf and miscarriage; most of it traces back to research on the wrong species. For excellent reference, see Anne Frye’s Holistic Midwifery Vol. 1, or here is my blog with more info. Note: this is general info on a blog - work with someone who knows you and natural approaches both, it’s important that you be informed and feel at peace with whatever approaches you may try.
The AVACEN device — used several times daily, it increases microcirculation and oxygen delivery while reducing inflammation. It’s a Class II medical device approved for muscle relaxation and pain relief, and there are no known contraindications. In my midwifery practice, we’ve found it to be surprisingly helpful with a wide range of maternity concerns.
Most of all — get real, personal support.
A live person can talk you through options and help you feel held and informed. Reach out to your midwife, doula, or another trusted woman who’s been there.
I also offer miscarriage support consultations and am always honored to walk beside families during this tender time. You can reach me through my Contact page or the Shop page for more details. Blessings. 🩷