Light Bleeding in Early Pregnancy: Causes & What to Expect

Question
I'm 18, this is my first child,and my last period was march 26,2005...I have had light vaginal bleeding since the beginning of my pregnancy. I haven't been to see a doctor yet because I just recently found out i was pregnant. All this time I thought my bleeding was my period. Until today when me and fiance were listening to our heart beats on a stethoscope and we moved down to my stomach just to see what we would hear and we heard a heart beat. My bleeding usually lasts about 3-4 days when my period is 5 days. I was just wondering if I should be worried about this bleeding or should I just wait until I can get a doctors appointment?

Answer
If your last period started on March 26, you are now 12 weeks 3 days pregnant. It is very important for you to make an appointment with an obstetrician at this time. You need certain blood work and instructions on how to manage this pregnancy. It is common to have some light staining in early pregnancy. HOwever, if bleeding continues, it must be evaluated. At your stage of pregnancy, the bleeding may be due to the formation of the placenta. You should get a sonogram to see where the bleeding is arising. Usually there is no problem, but some bleeding is dangerous. Please get yourself to an obstetrician.