Experiencing spotting after sex during pregnancy is quite unnerving. However, you should not panic as it is quite unlikely that you have hurt your baby in the process. Your baby lies protected in your uterus or womb that is situated above your vaginal cavity. The cervix of the uterus is sealed by a mucus plug and warm, amniotic fluid surrounds your baby in the amniotic sac.
When do you need to worry about bleeding after sex during pregnancy? How to prevent it?
Why Do I Bleed after Sex During Pregnancy？
You are not likely to suffer a miscarriage by having sex during pregnancy. However, if you had suffered miscarriage before, your physician may recommend you to avoid sexual intercourse during the first trimester or current pregnancy.
Spotting or bleeding can occur due to increased blood supply to the vaginal and around the cervical region. There are numerous little blood vessels present around the softened cervix (they are increased during pregnancy) which rupture and cause a light blood loss. Slight bleeding can also occur if your sexual encounter is rougher or vigorous than normal. You can try to be gentler the next time; however, this does not guarantee that you will suffer blood loss again.
It is usual for all females to have some occasional spotting or bleeding after sexual activity during their second or third trimesters. However, if it is not accompanied by cramping and the bleeding is slight and not heavy flow, then it is unlikely a cause of concern. If you are not sure of the happenings, then it is better to consult your physician immediately.
How to Prevent Bleeding after Sex During Pregnancy
However slight it may be, you will want to avoid having bleeding after sex. Try different sexual positions that put lesser pressure on your uterus while having sex during pregnancy to prevent bleeding or spotting. For instance, you can try spooning and rear entry positions to reduce the chances of bleeding. Some females would not like to have sex during pregnancy or would like to get intimate in other form such as massages, cuddling or showers. However, you should talk to your partner about your preferences.
When to See a Doctor
If the bleeding occurs often, you should wear a pad to keep a track of the amount of bleeding and the type of blood such as red, pink, or brown or if it is only blood or it is full of clots. You should take any tissue that is present along with the blood to your physician for getting it tested. If you are still bleeding and plan to have sex, avoid using a tampon.
Your physician may recommend you to have an ultrasound to identify the underlying cause of your bleeding. To fully evaluate the issue, you may receive both vaginal and abdominal ultrasounds.
You should call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned below. These symptoms may indicate a probable miscarriage or are a cause of other serious concern.
- Intense cramping and severe pain in the lower abdomen.
- Profuse vaginal bleeding, whether painful or painless
- Vaginal discharge containing tissue
- Fainting or dizziness
- High temperature/fever of greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit associated with or without chills
- If you develop uterine contractions that get stimulated after sexual activity and that are present even after the act
Examples and Experiences of Other Moms
Bleeding after sex during pregnancy? You are not alone. Below are experiences of some moms cited from Baby Center:
“I am pregnant by 21 weeks and 3 days. Last night after having sexual intercourse with my husband I noticed spotting of a peachy light pink color in the while using the restroom. We got concerned and called my doctor. The nurse on duty advised me to come to the birthing center and have an ultrasound in case the bleeding doesn’t go away even after an hour. She told me that if the bleeding stops with an hour than there is no cause of concern. She assured us that having light spotting after sexual activity is quite normal, especially if you are not adequately hydrated, have been moving or lifting heavy objects or have been doing more physical activity. The light bleeding from my vagina stopped and I am much better now. I hope this information may help you.”
posted 08/13/2012
“I am 31 weeks pregnant and yesterday I experienced vaginal bleeding after having sexual intercourse. I immediately called my doctor for advice and she reassured me that this is quite normal if not associated with symptoms such as cramping or the bleeding is profuse. She also recommended me to rest for a few hours and relax.”
posted 11/07/2008
“I am 24 weeks pregnant and this is my third child. I had sexual intercourse last night and this morning noticed a light pink colored vaginal discharge. I immediately called my physician who reassured me that this is quite normal unless it is bright red in color and profuse. She also told me that it is normal to have light spotting after sexual intercourse for up to 3 days. She recommended me to wear a panty liner so as to note the amount of blood that has passed.”
posted 05/04/2011