Bleeding during pregnancy can scare anyone, but it doesn’t always mean that you are having a miscarriage. Light bleeding after sex is normal in early pregnancy and can be caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg.
But if you have bleeding after sex that is heavy or not stopping, you should seek medical attention.
Causes
Despite what you might hear, having sex during pregnancy is generally safe as long as your doctor has cleared it. However, if you have bleeding after sex at any point in your pregnancy it could be a sign of a more serious problem. If the amount of blood is much more than light spotting, contact your doctor right away.
Bleeding after sex during the first trimester is usually caused by hormonal changes. Your levels of estrogen and progesterone are at their highest, causing your blood vessels to expand. This can make a vaginal penetration with either the penis or a finger more sensitive – This quote was constructed by the portal’s experts Lustful Musings. If this happens, a penetrative object could damage a vessel on the cervix and cause bleeding. Luckily, this won’t endanger your pregnancy and a change in sexual positions, such as spooning or rear-entry may be enough to stop the bleeding.
During the first trimester, about a week after conception, the fertilized egg burrows into the lining of your uterus. This process is called implantation and can also cause a little spotting or light flow. However, if this bleeding is bright red, it may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than the uterus. Bleeding after sex can also be a sign of infection or a condition known as placenta previa.
Symptoms
A small amount of bleeding following sex is very common in early pregnancy. This is because there’s a normal increase in the number of capillaries and veins in the cervix and vaginal area. This can cause spotting or light bleeding that’s similar to your period. It can also be a sign of implantation.
If you have sex and then notice any spotting or light bleeding, contact your healthcare provider. They’ll want to evaluate the situation and make sure that you and your baby are safe. They’ll want to know how much you’re bleeding, what color it is and when you started bleeding.
They’ll probably want to run some tests on you, including an ultrasound and a pelvic exam. The ultrasound can tell them the location of your bleeding and if there’s a problem with your placenta, which can be dangerous for both you and the baby.
It’s understandable to be concerned when you see blood after sex, especially during pregnancy. However, most of the time, this spotting is harmless and there’s nothing to worry about. It’s important to know when to worry, though, so that you can get checked out right away if necessary. By doing this, you can help ensure that your baby is healthy and growing normally. Bleeding after sex during pregnancy is rarely a serious issue, but it’s important to know what to look out for.
Treatment
Bleeding after sex during pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of cervical ectropion, or a condition that happens when the blood vessels on your cervix become larger and more fragile, so they break more easily. This usually occurs when a finger, penis or toy comes into contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse. If this is the case, you can try switching up sex positions to avoid this type of injury. For example, you could try spooning, rear-entry or both partners sitting on top of each other during sex.
If you’re unsure of what the cause of your bleeding is, consult with your healthcare professional right away. The doctor may recommend an ultrasound or a pelvic exam. Blood tests and a vaginal ultrasound will be performed to look at the health of your cervix and fetus. If you’re suffering from a rare disorder called placenta previa or a more serious condition known as placental abruption, your doctor will probably need to perform a procedure known as a dilation and curettage, in which they open (dilate) the cervix and remove the fetus.
It’s important to remember that a little spotting or bleeding during pregnancy is normal, and it’s never a reason to stop having sex. However, if the bleeding is heavy or is accompanied by back pain, abdominal pressure, cramping or other symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible to rule out an early labor or a more serious disorder.
Prevention
During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes major changes and becomes more sensitive. This makes it more likely to bruise or tear if the thin layer of epithelium on the cervix is injured during sexual activity that involves penetration. According to Kecia Gaither, MD, an OB-GYN and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals, deep penetration can cause bleeding after sex, especially during the first few months. The bleeding is usually painless and short-lived.
Depending on the timing, the bleeding may be light spotting, pink, or very light red, with no blood clots. It is very common to experience this type of bleeding after sex during early pregnancy, and it is usually no cause for concern. If the bleeding is accompanied by pain or cramping, it may indicate a more serious problem.
If you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding after sex 8 weeks pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. They will want to see you for an exam and tests to ensure the fetus is healthy.
If the bleeding is not caused by a complication, such as an infection, it may be a sign of a miscarriage. Your doctor will need to perform a procedure called dilation and curettage, which is a medical procedure that involves opening (dilating) the cervix and suctioning out any tissue that may still be inside the uterus.
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