Brown blood on a pad in early pregnancy is usually old blood that took longer to leave the uterus, and it is often not a sign of a problem. Many people notice light brown spotting or discharge in the first weeks of pregnancy, sometimes around the time they expected a period. Read more about brown discharge during pregnancy and what's normal.
This type of bleeding can happen when the pregnancy implants in the uterus or when the cervix becomes more sensitive and bleeds slightly. When the bleeding is light, brown or pink in color, short-lasting, and not painful, studies show it is commonly linked to normal pregnancies rather than miscarriage. Brown blood is different from bright red bleeding, which is more often associated with active bleeding.
Timing and other symptoms matter. Spotting may appear early on and stop within a day or two. Bleeding that becomes heavier, lasts several days, or is accompanied by cramping, dizziness, or shoulder pain needs medical attention, as it may signal a complication such as an ectopic pregnancy.
Any bleeding in early pregnancy should be reported to a healthcare provider so it can be properly evaluated. Avoid self-medicating or using hormones without guidance, and seek care promptly if bleeding worsens or new symptoms appear.