Is vaginal spotting while on birth control pills a symptom of pregnancy?
Patient: I have been on birth control for 4 years now. I switched birth control brand three months ago. Last month I didn t get my period. This month I just spotted for a day. Does that mean I could be pregnant? I took a pregnancy test last month when I didn t get my period and it came back negative. Or is that normal? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  Some contraceptives ( progestrin only contraceptive ) have effect to cause irregular or absent periods . So  absence & spotting at/ in between  period can be explained. Please keep on taking the pills regularly at same time of a day- as advised.If you were on pills without any unadvised break in between , there are least chances of conception. Please be cool.Pregnancy test done after 8 days delay after expected date of periods would give reliable result.( In case you get + ve result, consult your treating gynecologist).  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.