Understanding Early Pregnancy Spotting: Causes & Concerns

Question
I am 5w 2d today.Today when I used the restroom I had brown discharge come out.I am having a tiny bit of cramping also.I am really worried because I had this before I m/c'd 2 months ago.What can cause this brown spotting and can a pregnancy be normal having this spotting?

Answer
Usually, brown spotting in early pregnancy is due to "old, oxidized blood" that is being extruded from the uterus by the growing fetus. If you are not having heavy bleeding with cramps, I doubt that you are having another miscarriage. Just watch it. If it does not stop, contact your doctor and get a sonogram. (It is better to wait until 6 weeks gestation to get the sonogram. At that time they can see a fetus and a fetal heartbeat. Prior to 6 weeks, they will not see a fetal heartbeat, usually.