Brown Spotting During Pregnancy

Often considered as an early sign of miscarriage by many expecting mothers, brown spotting during pregnancy is not always a sign of worry or panic. As we know pregnancy puts a lot of strain on a woman's body and as it progresses this pressure goes on increasing, resulting in various pregnancy symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, spotting, etc. In fact, may women due to various causes experience moderate brown colored vaginal discharge or spotting with each passing trimester. This is quite normal and helpful, as during pregnancy the soft and tender cervix (neck of the womb) and the vaginal wall, through discharging keep infections from reaching up the womb.

But in some adverse cases, brown spotting or discharge during pregnancy can also be an alarming sign that something is seriously wrong. However, the severity of the condition basically depends upon the color as well as the consistency of the discharge. If the color is brown and the spotting is not heavy, i.e., without any cramping or blood clots, one need not worry.

Causes

Spotting during pregnancy can be due to various factors, of which some can be mild and some may be concerning. Below given are some common causes, categorized as per the pregnancy stages.

Causes of Brown Spotting During Early Pregnancy

Blood Remnants: The most common cause of brown spotting during the initial few weeks of pregnancy is the blood remnants in the cervix which the body wants to get rid of as the blood required to protect the womb is no longer needed.

Sex: Another cause for spotting during early pregnancy is sexual intercourse. As the cervix is very tender and sensitive, intercourse can cause some irritation or tear of the cervix, resulting in brown discharge for a couple of days.

Implantation Bleeding: Implantation bleeding is mild bleeding or spotting that occurs approximately two weeks after conceiving, i.e. when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, and continues for a day or so.

Infection: In some cases, brown spotting or discharge can be a sign of some kind of vaginal infections like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, Verruca Virus or genital HPV, which may also cause irritation, burning sensation, itchiness, etc. in the vaginal area.

Molar Pregnancy: Though a much rarer cause for bleeding or spotting, molar pregnancy is a condition wherein the embryo doesn't develop properly and there are some abnormalities in the cell which grow to form the placenta.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Another severe cause of brown spotting in pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy, in which the embryo plants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes and starts developing there. Both these pregnancies can severely affect the woman's health, hence, should be terminated as early as possible.

Miscarriage: Miscarriage is a condition in which the pregnancy ends at the embryo stage itself, as the embryo is not developing properly and so the body dispels the fetus out.

Causes of Brown Spotting During Late Pregnancy

Placenta Previa: Placenta previa is a condition wherein the placenta lies low in the uterus, covering the cervix partially or completely. It is one of the most common cause for brown spotting late in the third trimester. At times, the low lying placenta often gets corrected during the pregnancy, however, in extreme cases the woman may have to undergo an immediate cesarean.

Placental Abruption: Placental abruption is another cause for spotting in which the placenta separates from the uterus either partially or completely. The condition is accompanied with symptoms like bleeding, abdominal pain, continuous uterine contraction, etc. and seeks immediate medical attention.

Premature Labor: As a woman approaches her due date, her cervix begins to dilate and she may experience some mild bleeding, which is normal. But premature labor symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, uterus contraction or bleeding before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy can be a cause of concern.

Before concluding anything, it is better to consult your doctor to diagnose the actual cause. Internal or pelvic exam or ultrasound scan are certain tests that can ascertain the cause of spotting and whether you need to be treated or not. Whatever may be the cause, remember do not panic as this would add to your pregnancy complications. Try to relax as much as you can, as less stressed you are, less complications you will have to face.