Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy?
Reassurance when you need it most
Bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy is very common, and in many cases the pregnancy continues perfectly normally. But it is frightening, and the only way to know what is happening is to look. We offer same-day, consultant-led early pregnancy scans to give you answers quickly.
If you are bleeding heavily, have severe one-sided pain, feel faint or unwell, this may be an emergency — please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E or Early Pregnancy Unit rather than waiting for a scan.
Available atLPC City (E1)LPC West (SW10)
When to seek emergency care
Call 999 or go to A&E or an Early Pregnancy Unit now if you have heavy bleeding (soaking pads), severe or one-sided tummy pain, pain in your shoulder tip, or feel faint or very unwell. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy is growing outside the womb) or another emergency that needs urgent assessment. A private scan appointment is not the right route.
Understanding bleeding
Is bleeding in early pregnancy normal?
Light bleeding or spotting affects many pregnancies in the first trimester and is often harmless — it can be caused by the fertilised egg settling into the womb (implantation), changes to the cervix, or minor irritation. Sometimes a scan shows a subchorionic haematoma — a collection of blood beside the pregnancy sac — which can explain the bleeding. Many people who bleed in early pregnancy go on to have a completely healthy baby.
However, bleeding can occasionally be a sign of something that needs attention, such as a possible miscarriage (a 'threatened miscarriage') or an ectopic pregnancy. Because the symptoms overlap, the only reliable way to know what is happening is an ultrasound scan. Our blog explains when to worry and when to get a scan in more detail.
Answers, quickly
What an early pregnancy scan can tell you
A same-day scan with our specialists can confirm:
Whether your baby's heartbeat is present
That the pregnancy is in the right place (not ectopic)
How many weeks you are, and accurate dating
Whether you are expecting one baby or more
A likely explanation for the bleeding, where one is visible
Timing
When should you have the scan?
From about 6 weeks, a viability scan can usually detect a heartbeat and confirm the pregnancy is developing in the right place. Before 6 weeks it may be too early to see much, and a repeat scan is sometimes needed a week or two later to be certain.
If you are further along, an early fetal scan or 10-week scan can offer reassurance and a first look at your baby’s development. Not sure which you need? Just call us and we will advise.
Transparent pricing
Which scan will I have, and what does it cost?
The right scan depends on how many weeks pregnant you are. Every appointment is performed by a fetal medicine specialist, with time to talk through the findings — see viability scan, 10-week scan, early fetal scan and NIPT for full details.
| Weeks | Scan | What it checks | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–9 weeks | Viability & dating scan | Heartbeat, location of the pregnancy, accurate dating | £140 |
| 10–11 weeks | 10-week scan | Earliest structural anomaly examination | £260 |
| 12–16 weeks | Early fetal scan | Detailed early anatomy examination | £260 |
| From 9–10 weeks | NIPT + scan | Chromosomal screening with ultrasound included | from £490 |
Bleeding in early pregnancy — your questions
Should I get a scan if I am bleeding in early pregnancy?
If the bleeding is light and you feel well, a same-day viability scan from 6 weeks can give you reassurance and answers. If bleeding is heavy or you have severe pain, seek emergency care first.
Can you scan me the same day?
We offer same-day early pregnancy scans wherever possible. Call 020 3687 2939 and we will do our best to see you quickly.
Does bleeding mean I am having a miscarriage?
Not necessarily. Many people who bleed in early pregnancy go on to have a healthy baby. A scan is the only way to know for sure, which is why it is worth having one.
What if it is too early to see a heartbeat?
Before about 6–7 weeks it can be too early to see a heartbeat even in a healthy pregnancy. In that case we may recommend a repeat scan in a week or two, sometimes alongside a blood test that measures your pregnancy hormone (a beta-hCG blood test).
What if the scan shows a blood clot or haematoma?
A collection of blood at the edge of the pregnancy sac is called a subchorionic haematoma. It is a common finding, many resolve on their own, and most pregnancies with one continue. We will explain its size and position, and whether a follow-up scan would help. Read more about subchorionic haematoma.
Get in touch
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Sources & clinical references
The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
- NHSEctopic pregnancy2025
- RCOGEctopic pregnancy (patient information)2024
- NHSEctopic pregnancy — Diagnosis2025