About 25% of women will have some pregnancy spotting, usually during the first trimester. It may be accompanied by lower back pain or slight cramping. It is very normal, although it can be scary.

Pregnancy spotting is not heavy bleeding and should not soak through a maxi pad. Spotting is a very light flow as if in the last or first days of normal period cycle. The color can be varying from pink to red to brown and look like dried blood.

Pregnancy spotting may occur after sexual intercourse, and if so, you may be advised to stay celibate for the remainder of the first trimester. Call your health care provider any time you spot, and tell them how much you are bleeding, for how long, and if it followed heavy activity or sex.

Most women who have pregnancy spotting will go on to have a healthy pregnancy.