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The information presented on this website has been developed and reviewed by Besins Healthcare. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Early Pregnancy Awareness

Take your time with this information

Red flags and reassurance

Early pregnancy comes with a whole bag of different symptoms and changes that fluctuate day to day and week to week. It is hard to recognise when to be concerned, or whether it’s just part of pregnancy.

There are only a few key red flags to be wary of during the first trimester:

Bleeding

Bleeding

Some form of bleeding occurs in 25% of women during early pregnancy. The majority of those continue to have healthy pregnancies.1,2

Possible reasons for bleeding in pregnancy include:

Implantation<sup>3</sup>

Implantation3

Light spotting may occur when the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining usually around the time of an expected period
Chorionic haematoma<sup>3</sup>

Chorionic haematoma3

A collection of blood that forms between the pregnancy sac and the wall of the uterus. It is the most common cause of bleeding within the first trimester.
Cervical changes

Cervical changes

Increased blood flow to the cervix during pregnancy can cause mild bleeding, often after sexual intercourse or pelvic exams.3 Cervical polyps or cervical lesions, which are commonly found in women of childbearing age, may also cause vaginal bleeding.4
Cervical ectropion (or erosion)<sup>5</sup>

Cervical ectropion (or erosion)5

A benign and harmless condition where there is a delicate and inflamed area on the outer surface of the cervix. It occurs when cells that are normally located on the inside of the cervix (glandular cells) present on the outside. This is a common condition triggered by the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and does not put you any greater risk of miscarriage, but may result in some bleeding.
Infection<sup>3</sup>

Infection3

Some vaginal or cervical infections may cause irritation and bleeding during pregnancy. Your health care provider will be able to provide suitable antibiotics that are safe to use in pregnancy.
Coagulation (bleeding) disorders<sup>6</sup>

Coagulation (bleeding) disorders6

Bleeding due to a coagulation disorder is rare, but women and birthing people with a coagulation disorder, such as Von Willebrand’s disease, are at a higher risk for bleeding during pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy<sup>7</sup>

Ectopic pregnancy7

A serious condition where the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. Symptoms can include one-sided pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, and vaginal bleeding.
Miscarriage<sup>8</sup>

Miscarriage8

The most common serious cause of first-trimester bleeding. Often accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, or passage of tissue.

You should always speak with your healthcare provider if you experience ANY bleeding or spotting. But you should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, especially if it is accompanied by clots. Unfortunately, bleeding is a symptom for miscarriage, so a full evaluation should be done to check the viability of the pregnancy.⁹

Cramping<sup>10</sup>

Cramping10

Cramping is completely normal in early pregnancy. Your uterus is stretching and growing to make room for your growing baby! Cramps during early pregnancy should feel like mild menstrual cramping, or it may feel like a pulling sensation. However, if the pain becomes severe with heavy spotting or bleeding, dizziness, fever, chills, fainting, or shoulder tip pain, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as these could indicate an issue with the pregnancy.
Severe nausea and vomiting<sup>11</sup>

Severe nausea and vomiting11

Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy are unpleasant, but common symptoms. Mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting isn't a cause for concern. These can usually be remedied with rest, eating small but regular meals, drinking little and often, acupressure, or with natural aids such as ginger. Symptoms typically resolve by 16–20 weeks. However, if you are experiencing persistent nausea that is keeping you from eating and drinking, or you are unable to keep down any fluids, you need to seek medical attention. Healthcare providers can provide medication to help manage the symptoms.
Next: What's Normal Week by Week