Dark Brown Spotting in the 8th Month of Pregnancy: Causes and Action

Dark brown spotting at 32+ weeks warrants prompt obstetric evaluation. Possible causes:

• Placental abruption: Painful bleeding, uterine tenderness—emergency.
• Preterm labor: Cramping, contractions, cervical change.
• Cervical ectropion: Friable ectocervical tissue bleeds after intercourse/exam.
• Infection: Bacterial vaginosis, yeast, STIs.
• Bloody show: Mucus plug loss preceding labor (often pink/brown).

Implantation bleeding is not plausible at this gestation.

Action

Contact your provider immediately for assessment (speculum exam, ultrasound, fetal monitoring).