Brown Mucus Discharge in Early Pregnancy: What to Know

Question
Dr. Rappaport,
I am 13 weeks pregnant.  This morning when I went to the bathroom to pee I wiped and there was some brown mucasy discharge on the toilet paper.  not alot.  just a very small amount.  not even the size of my pinky fingertip.  I have had miscarriages in the past but all of them have been in the very early stages.  Should I be worried about this discharge?  I don't want to call my doctor about every little thing that happens.  

Answer
At your stage of pregnancy, it is very common to have an occasional brownish discharge from your vagina. This may be "old" blood that was in the uterus and is being pushed out by the growing fetus. This is mixed with the normal vaginal mucus and does no harm to the baby. However, if you start to have heavy vaginal bleeding along with menstrual-like cramps, that may indicate the start of a miscarriage and you should call your doctor. Never worry about calling your obstetrician whenever you think you have a question. That is what the doctor is there for. Good Luck to you and don't worry.