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Spotting From an Internal Exam

Internal exams are an important part of routine health screenings and pregnancy check-ups for women. In some cases, these exams can cause spotting. While it may be scary to experience any bleeding during pregnancy, light bleeding can be normal.

  1. Spotting After Routine Exams

    • It is normal to experience spotting after a routine internal exam. A tiny brush scrapes the cervix and spotting is a very common result.

    Spotting During Pregnancy

    • Internal exams are common check-ups during pregnancy. Spotting is normal after these exams, and is not usually a sign that anything is wrong. Pregnancy causes an increased blood flow to the cervix, and makes light bleeding very common following an internal exam.

    Precautions

    • If bleeding is heavy or you are unsure if it is related to your pelvic exam, it's important to discuss this with your doctor right away. Bleeding during pregnancy can be serious and is a sign of preterm labor, problems with the cervix, miscarriage, placenta previa and other concerns. Pain and heavy bleeding should not result from your internal exam. Call your doctor if the spotting continues for more than one day.

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