Going home after your visit
Bleeding in early pregnancy
What to do, what is normal, and the warning signs to watch for.
You have had bleeding (and maybe some pain) in early pregnancy. This is common, and often the pregnancy carries on normally — but it needs the right follow-up. Here is what to do and what to watch for.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Come back — or call 999 if it is severe — if any of these happen
Some of these can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy, which is an emergency.
- Heavy bleeding — soaking through a pad, or passing large clots
- Severe or one-sided tummy pain, or pain when you open your bowels or pass urine
- Pain at the tip of your shoulder
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or collapsing
- A high temperature, or smelly discharge
- Feeling very unwell
CALL 999 if you feel faint, collapse, or have very heavy bleeding that will not stop.
What to do
- Rest as much as you feel you need to.
- Use sanitary pads, not tampons, so you can see how much you are bleeding.
- You can take paracetamol for pain if you need it.
- Carry on with gentle normal activities as you feel able.
- Attend the early pregnancy unit appointment that has been arranged for you.
What is normal
These are common in early pregnancy and you may have them:
Light bleeding or spottingMild crampsBleeding that comes and goes
Many pregnancies with early bleeding go on to be healthy — the scan and follow-up will check.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above