Understanding Spotting & Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: What to Do

Question
Thank you very much for your quick response. I have not had intercourse for over one month now. I will definitely go get a sonogram on my next appointment. I'm just not sure if I should go get checked up immediately. I called my ob-gyn a while ago and she seems calm about my situation, even though this is the first time this happened. I'm still very worried as it is my first baby and my family has a history of miscarriages. I remember my sister had to be confined in her bed her last two months of pregnancy. I'm really worried because I've had four separate occassions of spotting in a span of 12 hours (although the spots have become relatively less and less). Thank you again for everything. - Maria mat633@gmail.com

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Followup To
Question -
Hi. I'm 27 years old and 30-weeks into my pregnancy. Today, I've noticed some blood bloody discharge, I think they call it spotting. After the first time I noticed some spotting (2:00pm), I called my ob-gyn and she prescribed me Duvadilan to take 3x a day. The second time (5:00pm), I called her again and she told me to just have some bed rest and if it occurs the third time, I am to go to the hospital. I'm very worried. I'm not sure what's happening to me. I'm not experiencing any pain, or cramps, or constractions. Everything feels normal except for the spotting. I just want to know if my baby is going to be ok and if I need medical attention asap. Thank you so much for you help.
Answer -
Did you have intercourse prior to the spotting incidents? During pregnahcy, your vagina is very "hyperemic" and bleeds easily if rubbed. It is common to have some spotting after sex. If you did not have intercourse, and continue to have spotting, you should get a sonogram to see if there are any abnormalities with the placenta (placenta previa or abruption). If the placenta is normal and the sonogram shows that all is fine, you need not worry. Of course, at 30 weeks we also have to make sure that you are not having preterm labor. If you start to have any contractions that occur more than every 10 minutes or last  more thn 30 seconds at a time, call your doctor. (The sonogram will also see if the cervix is shortening or dilating).

Answer
If you are 30 weeks pregnant and are having spotting, you should be checked for preterm labor. There is not much to do at this time. If you feel more comfortable in getting on bedrest, do so. If the bleeding stops, you need not worry. If it gets heavy with cramps, go to the hospital and get a sonogram. If they rule out placenta previa or placenta abruptio, you will be reassured that all is well. A NST may be helpful at this time. Certainly, a sonogram is reassuring. Don't worry.