6 Reasons for Spotting After a Positive Pregnancy Test

If you are unsure why you are bleeding anytime during your pregnancy, please contact your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are unsure why you are bleeding anytime during your pregnancy, please contact your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room.

Early pregnancy is a time of rapid changes, and spotting after a positive pregnancy test can be alarming. While it’s natural to worry, spotting isn’t always a cause for concern. In this blog, we explore six possible reasons for spotting during early pregnancy and what you should do next.

1. Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is a common cause of spotting after a positive pregnancy test. It occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, typically 10 to 14 days after conception.[1] This light bleeding or spotting is usually pink or brown and lasts a few hours to three days.[2]

In a healthy pregnancy, implantation bleeding resolves on its own without medical intervention.[3] 

2. Subchorionic Hemorrhage

Subchorionic hemorrhage is a collection of blood from the numerous blood vessels in the chorion, which is a vascular membrane that forms on the inside of the uterus.[4] It accounts for about 10% of all vaginal bleeding between 10 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.[5] 

This collection of blood (chorionic hemorrhage) is most often benign and may go away on its own without causing complications for the pregnancy.[6]

3. Vaginitis

Vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina, can cause spotting, discharge, or irritation.[7] Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase your risk of vaginitis, which can lead to spotting after a positive pregnancy test.[8]

Untreated vaginitis during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm labor[9], so prompt treatment is essential. Speak to your healthcare provider about pregnancy-safe medications and treatment options.

4. Cervical Polyps

Cervical polyps are small, benign growths on the cervix that can cause spotting after a positive pregnancy test.[10] While rare during pregnancy, they may lead to light bleeding, especially after intercourse or a pelvic exam.

Your doctor may monitor or remove polyps depending on their size, location, and your specific condition.[11] Most cervical polyps are harmless, but they may need to be tested to rule out abnormalities.

5. Early Miscarriage

Spotting after a positive pregnancy test can sometimes indicate an early miscarriage[12]. 

Miscarriage symptoms may include cramping, lower back pain, or passing tissue.[13] If you aren’t showing signs of an infection, your healthcare provider may recommend allowing the  miscarriage progress naturally. However, medical or surgical treatment may be needed if you show signs of infection.[14]

6. Ectopic Pregnancy

Spotting can also be a sign of a rare condition called ectopic pregnancy.[15] An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, and may cause pelvic pain, shoulder pain, or light bleeding.[16] 

Ectopic pregnancies require immediate treatment, as they cannot continue and may become life-threatening if the fallopian tube ruptures.[17] Treatment options include medication (methotrexate) or surgery.[18] 

If you experience severe pain or heavy bleeding, seek emergency care immediately.

When to Seek Help

While spotting after a positive pregnancy test can be normal, you should always speak to your healthcare provider right away or visit an emergency room to ensure that you are safe and your pregnancy is progressing as expected.

Please go directly to your local emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding or clotting
• Severe pelvic or shoulder pain
• Fever or dizziness
• Fainting
• Signs of shock (extreme weakness, confusion, fast heartbeat, or clammy skin)

Free Pregnancy Services in Athens, Ohio

Experiencing spotting after a positive pregnancy test? You don’t have to navigate pregnancy alone. Pregnancy Resource Center offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential support to answer your questions.

Contact us at (740) 592-4700 or schedule an appointment online. All services are free and confidential.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience spotting or other symptoms during pregnancy.

Sources

1. 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#  
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 16). Implantation Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms & What to Expect. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding  
3. See source #2.
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 20). Subchorionic Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23511-subchorionic-hematoma
5. See source #4.
6. See source #4.
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, November 30). Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis  
8. Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 22). Vaginitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707   
9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, February 11). Does vaginitis affect a pregnant woman & her infant?. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/vaginitis/conditioninfo/pregnancy#  
10. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 11). Cervical Polyp: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24436-cervical-polyp  
11. See source #10.
12. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
13. See source #12.
14. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354304
15. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Symptoms & Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088 
16. See source #15.
17. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 12). Ectopic Pregnancy – Diagnosis & Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372093 
18. See source #17.