Does Spotting Mean I Am Pregnant?
Question
My husband and I have been apart due to deployment. He has been home for almost two weeks. I am not due to start my menstrual cycle for a week. I started spotting a couple days ago but it does not look the same as my cycle or have any of the other symptoms that normally occur during or before my cycle starts. I also never spot, I always just start. I am baffled as to what could cause this. Is it possible that this might be conception? What are some reasons this may happen?
Beverly
Answer
Last Updated: November 24, 2021
Dear Beverly,
There could be a number of reasons for mid-cycle spotting. Some women experience light spotting, also called breakthrough spotting, when they ovulate. This occurs as a result of a shift in hormones. If you suspect a pregnancy, it could be implantation spotting. This occurs when the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus, normally around six to nine days after conception. If you do not start a normal period in a few days, take a pregnancy test. If you do start a normal period in a few days, the spotting may have been a result of a low hormone (progesterone) balance this cycle. If you continue to experience this light spotting for two or more days prior to the onset of your period, you should see a doctor. If you are pregnant, than you should definitely see a doctor and start on your prenatal care.
Good Luck!
Briana Schalow
There could be a number of reasons for mid-cycle spotting. Some women experience light spotting, also called breakthrough spotting, when they ovulate. This occurs as a result of a shift in hormones. If you suspect a pregnancy, it could be implantation spotting. This occurs when the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus, normally around six to nine days after conception. If you do not start a normal period in a few days, take a pregnancy test. If you do start a normal period in a few days, the spotting may have been a result of a low hormone (progesterone) balance this cycle. If you continue to experience this light spotting for two or more days prior to the onset of your period, you should see a doctor. If you are pregnant, than you should definitely see a doctor and start on your prenatal care.
Good Luck!
Briana Schalow
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