Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Light spotting: first trimester

15 May, 2005

Question:

I am currently about 8 weeks pregnant and have experienced spotting during the past week. The spotting is very light and brown in color. however, about a week ago I looked at the spotting on toilet paper and it was enough to render me niddah.

Is the protocol for spotting during pregnancy the same as normal? Or can I just begin counting seven clean days? What do I do if I continue to spot enough so that I am niddah all of the time? I spoke with my doctor who said that this could continue for another month or so.

Thank you!


Answer:

We're sorry to hear about your spotting problems.  

The protocol for spotting during pregnancy is the same as for other times.  A pregnant woman must wait five days before counting her clean days. If the spotting interrupted an earlier clean-day count, she can immediately do a new hefsek and start a new count..

In a case such as yours, where spotting may be ongoing, it is essential to review the relevant laws.  Please start by looking at our article ketamim.  A light brown such as you describe may not render a woman niddah, regardless of its size.  It would not necessarily invalidate a bedikah or even a hefsek taharah.

Please contact us with any follow-up questions.  B'Sha'ah Tovah!


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