I found out that I am pregnant. My last period was 13 March. The problem is that I see some spotting on my panty liners after urination. I went to see my doctor and he told me that my baby is at the bottom of the womb. I have been seeing this from Thursday 23rd April. Do you think that will harm my baby?

What you are experiencing is very common. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy about a quarter of all women experience bleeding which is part of the normal process and not an indication of a problem. There are several common causes for this:

•	Implantation bleeding: Brief and light bleeding may occur as the fertilised egg implants into the placenta, usually 5- 10 days after conception.
•	Period: it is not uncommon to experience slight spotting around the time that you would normally have experienced a period.
•	Intercourse: The tender cervix is engorged with blood and after intercourse it is possible to have light spotting. However, heavy vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of a problem. Whatever stage of pregnancy you have reached, if you are experiencing bleeding you should call your doctor and go to bed. Severe cramping and tenderness on one side should also be reported to the doctor as soon as possible even if not accompanied by bleeding. If the bleeding is accompanied by cramps, abdominal or lower back pain and passing of clots then you should contact your doctor urgently or go to your nearest hospital casualty centre.

However, heavy vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of a problem. Whatever stage of pregnancy you have reached, if you are experiencing bleeding you should call your doctor and go to bed. Severe cramping and tenderness on one side should also be reported to the doctor as soon as possible even if not accompanied by bleeding.
If the bleeding is accompanied by cramps, abdominal or lower back pain and passing of clots then you should contact your doctor urgently or go to your nearest hospital casualty centre.

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