Spotting/ bleeding in mid pregnancy

  Dear Drs.
  I'm 21 weeks pregnant, and less than 30 years old.
  I have had slight spotting about once a month through out my pregnancy.
  Except for this last week and a half when i've been bleeding more light pink rather than brown.
  My doctor has rueled out any infection or placenta previa, she says that I have a sensitive cervix, but I have not have intercourse for almost two mo so I don;t see how it can be my cervix. Her other thought was intra uterine polyps. In no books that I have read does it say anything about " normal bleeding in pregnancy" so my doctors laid back and not so worried attitude worries me. My friends say don't lift anything heavy, what is heavy? A gallon of milk is that too heavy?
  Should I seek a second opinion? My AFP came back normal.
  Thank You
  Worried first timer
Dear Jenny.   Many patients will have slight spotting during their pregnancy.  During the first 3 months the most common cause is a threatened miscarriage.  At your gestation, the most serious condition is placenta previa which it appears that your physician has ruled out.  Vaginal infections (already ruled out?) and sexual intercourse  can also produced cervical irritation that can produce the symptom you descibe.  Normal vaginal bacterial flora with a "sensitive" cervix might also explain this.  " Cervical polyps" may be what your physician was referring.  As long as your physician has examined you and your cervix is closed with normal cervical length, there is no previa, you are having no cramping, there has been no trauma, bleeding is minimal, and infection has been ruled out, it is most likely normal for your pregnancy.   Lifting will not cause the spotting.  Normal activity including lifting that you did prior to pregnancy is appropriate.  Talk to your doctor and share your concerns.  
This material is provided for general information purposes only and should not be sonsidered a formal medical evaluation.  
Key words: pregnancy, bleeding
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