Spot Bleeding & Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

According to the National Institutes of Health, during menstruation it is normal for a woman to experience vaginal bleeding for about four days. Spot bleeding and abdominal pain that occur between periods or after menopause could be a sign of a serious health issue.

Spot Bleeding and Abdominal Pain

• Spot bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods, during pregnancy or after menopause. Abdominal pain that accompanies it can feel like cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen or sharp pain in the upper abdomen.

During Pregnancy

• If you are in the early stages of pregnancy, spot bleeding and abdominal pain could be caused by a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. After the first trimester, they could be symptoms of placental abruption, when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, or placenta previa, when the placenta sits too low and covers the cervix.

Other Causes

• Spot bleeding and abdominal pain can also be symptoms of uterine fibroids or uterine cancer.

Considerations

• Because the conditions that can cause abdominal pain and spot bleeding are serious, do not wait for the bleeding to stop to contact your doctor.

Treatment

• An ectopic pregnancy can be treated with medication and surgery to repair your fallopian tube. Placental abruption and placenta previa can be treated with either bed rest or immediate delivery of the baby. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment for uterine fibroids or cancer, which could involve surgery, radiation treatment or chemotherapy.