First Trimester Concerns: Ovarian Cyst & Light Bleeding - What to Expect

Question
My wife is 26.  Just found out we were pregnant two weeks ago.  This is our first pregnancy.  Last period was sometime in earlt January.  First vist to the OBGYN and the Dr. found a rather large cyst on one of the ovaries.  Dr. said we will check on status of cyst at our next visit in two weeks.  Since the visit my wife has been lightly spotting brown, and then yesterday spotted red very lighlty.  We called the Dr and the nurse said if bledding gets heavy or cramping occurs to come back quick.  Our next visit is set for three days.  Last bloodwork showed good hormone level.  The first bloodwork showed low hormones and she was put on some hormone pills.  We are freaking out as we do not want anything to be wrong.  Our we at risk for a misscarriage?  Are these things relativley normal for a women almost two months along.

Help.

Thanks,Darin

Answer
It is normal to have a cyst on one of the ovaries in early pregnancy. A "corpus luteum cyst" develops and maintains the preganncy until the placenta develops. Then, at around 12 weeks gestation, the cyst disappears. In early pregnancy it is quite common to have some brownish staining (old blood that was in the uterus prior to the pregnancy). It is also common to have some staining (red blood) during early preganncy. However, this shouold not be heavier than a regular period. If the bleeding becomes heavy with menstrual cramps, it can be start of a miscarriage. Miscarriages occur in 15-20% of every pregnancy. There is nothing you can do to cause a miscarriage and there is nothing you can to do prevent a miscarriage. Just go about your regular routine and try not to worry.