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What to do if…
you are pregnant and notice bleeding or persistent one-sided pain

Short answer

Get urgent medical evaluation today. Bleeding plus persistent one-sided pain can be a warning sign (including ectopic pregnancy), so contact your OB/GYN immediately or go to an ER—call 911 if symptoms are severe or you feel faint.

Do not do these things

  • Do not delay care if bleeding continues, pain stays on one side, or symptoms are worsening.
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel lightheaded, weak, faint, or your pain is severe—have someone drive you or call 911.
  • Do not use tampons/menstrual cups or insert anything vaginally right now.
  • Do not take ibuprofen/naproxen or other NSAIDs unless your pregnancy clinician has told you to (they can be risky in pregnancy, especially after about 20 weeks).
  • Do not try to “diagnose” it yourself or assume it’s normal spotting—this combination deserves prompt assessment.

What to do now

  1. Decide if this is an emergency right now.
    Call 911 immediately if you have any of these: severe or sudden worsening belly/pelvic pain, shoulder pain, heavy bleeding, fainting/collapse, significant dizziness/weakness, trouble breathing, or you feel seriously unwell.
  2. Call your pregnancy clinician for same-day instructions.
    Call your OB/GYN, midwife, or clinic nurse line and say: “I’m pregnant and I have bleeding and persistent one-sided pain.” If you can’t reach them quickly, go to an Emergency Room.
  3. Use a pad and note the key details for the clinician.
    Put on a pad (not a tampon) and jot down: when it started, whether it’s getting heavier, the color, where the pain is (one side? shoulder?), and whether the pain is constant or worsening.
  4. Have someone stay with you and plan safe transport.
    Sit or lie down if you feel faint. If you’re going in, don’t go alone if you can avoid it. Bring a phone charger and ID/insurance card if you have them.
  5. Be ready to share ectopic-relevant history (even if you’re unsure).
    Tell them if you’ve had a prior ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, IVF, or if you had an IUD when you conceived—these details can change how urgently they evaluate you.
  6. Pain relief only if needed and safe.
    If you need something while arranging care, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the first-choice OTC option for pain/fever in pregnancy when used as directed. Avoid other pain medicines unless your clinician recommends them.
  7. If you pass clots/tissue, note it—don’t delay care to save anything.
    Tell the clinician what you noticed. If you’re heading to the ER anyway, a brief description (how much, what it looked like) can help.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide what caused the bleeding or what happens next until you’ve been evaluated.
  • You do not need to keep checking internally, repeatedly testing, or searching for symptom comparisons online.
  • You do not need to make announcements or major decisions today—focus on getting assessed safely.

Important reassurance

Many people have bleeding in pregnancy and go on to be okay. The reason to act quickly is that bleeding with persistent one-sided pain can sometimes signal a problem that needs rapid treatment—getting checked promptly protects you.

Scope note

This is first steps only—how to get urgent evaluation and avoid panic mistakes. Diagnosis and treatment choices should come from an in-person medical team.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you feel like you might pass out, your pain is severe, or you’re rapidly getting worse, call 911.

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