Before you freak out and rush to the hospital, stay calm. Bleeding after pregnancy sex is actually normal, and doctors won't be as alarmed as you are right now. Nonetheless, a trip to your OB-Gyn is always a good idea if you feel worried. Easing your stress is always worth a consult.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, bleeding and spotting during pregnancy can be caused by the following:
- Sexual intercourse
- Vaginal or cervical infection
- Implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus
- Hormone changes
- Other factors that will not necessarily harm the mother or baby
Still, there are serious implications to any bloody discharge during pregnancy. If you happen to bleed or spot early in your pregnancy, these could be symptoms of a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
10 things you should know about bleeding after pregnancy sex
In the meantime, here are some important things you should know about pregnancy sex and bleeding:
1. There's a normal, biological reason
Bleeding and spotting during your pregnancy is usually caused by the engorged blood vessels around your cervix. Your body increases blood supply to your pelvic region, which makes your already tender cervix engorged with blood. Sex can rupture those blood vessels, resulting in spotting for up to three days hence.
2. You are very unlikely to suffer a miscarriage from pregnancy sex
The baby in utero is protected by a layer of mucus, the amniotic sac, and a lot of fluid. Unless you are feeling pain during intercourse or are due for labor, it is very unlikely for sex to induce premature delivery of the baby. Still, a possibility exists and you should ask your doctor if you are at risk.
3. The baby cannot be harmed by sex
While some studies have already shown that babies do feel pain inside the womb, sex does not cause this. As mentioned above, the mucus, amniotic sac, and fluid act as a buffer.
4. There is one thing your partner should never ever do when having pregnancy sex
Doctors agree that having your partner blow air up your vagina can induce a blood clot that can turn into a very dangerous embolism for you come labor. If you and your husband enjoy this, it's best to lay off this stimulating activity until post-pregnancy sex.
5. Slight spotting is normal for females during their second and third trimester
If you're having sex during your second and third trimester, you may very well experience some slight spotting. According to WebMD, 20% of pregnant women experience some form of bloody discharge during pregnancy.
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6. You should avoid using tampons and stop douching
Since tampons lodge themselves quite snugly inside you at a time where your vaginal passage is in haywire and your pelvic region is engorged with blood, it's best not to aggravate the area or allow any chance for infection to happen. Douching can change the chemistry in your pelvic region and affect your pregnancy. If your doctor doesn't find anything untoward about your bleeding, you're usually just supposed to rest and recover.
7. You should monitor the amount of blood you're losing
Spotting should still be monitored responsibly. Use a feminine pad to determine how much blood you're losing so you can give your doctor a good estimate. Take note of how long you bleed and when it usually starts and stops.
8. You can prevent spotting by changing up your usual sex positions
Instead of having him deeply penetrate you through usual positions, try spooning positions helped along by a water-based lubricant instead. Both of you lie down parallel to each other but facing the same direction, with him behind you. Raise your top leg and let him enter you nice and slow. He can reach around you and stimulate you manually.
9. Go to a doctor immediately if your blood flow is too heavy
You call it spotting because the blood is supposed to be minimal. If you're experiencing something akin to menstrual flow, see a doctor immediately.
10. Bleeding after pregnancy sex or any kind of spotting accompanied by other conditions are considered red flags and should be taken seriously
If you experience the following symptoms along with any spotting, get to a hospital immediately:
- Severe pain or intense cramps in your lower abdomen
- Excessive bleeding, with or without pain
- Discharge that includes tissue aside from blood
- Dizziness or fainting
- An extremely high fever or the onset of chills
A doctor's appointment or a call to your OB is never wrong
A trip to the doctor is always something you should do whenever you feel that something is wrong. While bleeding during pregnancy sex is normal, the stress that it gives you can affect your pregnancy. Your doctor will most probably order an ultrasound to get to the root cause of the bleeding to see if anything is out of the ordinary.
Have you experienced bleeding after pregnancy sex? A lot of other moms-to-be could be reading this and worrying right now. Share your story with us in the comments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dana Santos
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