What are the common causes of light bleeding after sex during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and still having sex, there is usually nothing to worry about. Sex even during pregnancy offers a range of benefits for women, including lower blood pressure and more intimacy. Women occasionally experience spotting and light bleeding after sex. If you notice blood on the sheets or toilet paper, here is what you should know about the causes of light bleeding after sex during pregnancy and what you should do.
It can be scary to see blood after intercourse, but it doesn’t mean that the baby is hurt or that you must stop sex altogether. It is normal to bleed after sex while you are expecting – consider the fact that at least 25% of expectant mothers experience bleeding during the first trimester. Signs of this blood is usually harmless as it relates to high levels of pregnancy hormones. For instance, progesterone is high during pregnancy and it enlarges blood vessels. Sometimes a blood vessel in the cervix could get injured or bruised and bleed a bit. This does not put your pregnancy at risk – the smart thing to do is to change positions to avoid bleeding in the future.
In certain cases, bleeding could indicate trouble if it occurs during the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Conditions include ectopic pregnancies, Placenta Previa, miscarriage, Placental abruption or early labor. Sex during pregnancy by no means causes miscarriages but if you are worried, then talk to your doctor, get a checkup and let them diagnose your conditions.
What to do if you bleed after sex during pregnancy:
Most often than not, bleeding after sex usually means that the pregnancy is progressing normally. If the bleeding is light to medium, it is a sign that the embryo has implanted or that your cervix is going through normal changes. Here is what you should know about sex during pregnancy and bleeding.
- Bleeding occurs when the egg attaches to the uterine lining and can cause light bleeding or spotting.
- Changes in the cervix: Once you get pregnant, the cervix goes through changes as it prepares for birth. This causes the cervix to open, become tender and even shed cells. A woman’s body could be vulnerable during vigorous sex and result in bleeding.
- Ectopic pregnancies can also cause bleeding, though it is unlikely, when the fertilized egg attaches to another part and not the uterus.
- Placenta previa is a condition which can occur during the 2nd or 3rd trimester if the placenta covers some or all of the cervix. If the blood is bright red, it could indicate this condition. Emergency medical attention is usually recommended if this happens.
- Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus early and causes heavy bleeding. Depending on the severity of the condition, hospitalization may be necessary.
- If you experience bleeding and regular contractions which persist even with changed position, you could be experiencing premature labor. Call your doctor immediately and go to the hospital.
- Miscarriages are not caused by sex during pregnancy and could indicate a problem if there is heavy blood flow. It is the case when it occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you think you are going through a miscarriage, call you doctor. Having a miscarriage doesn’t mean that you cannot have another child. Let your doctor guide you on when you can try for another baby.
Things you can do if you bleed after sex
- If you see light spotting, don’t use a tampon. Use a pad instead and if it doesn’t stop and you have cramps, call your doctor for advice.
- You can prevent bleeding after sex by avoiding sex for a while. This will not have any effect on the cause of the bleeding. Keep in mind that sex helps to reduce stress even during this period and keep a couple bonded.
While bleeding after sex during pregnancy can be scary, get advice from your doctor. Get help when you think it is necessary to rule out serious conditions. Sex during pregnancy is a good thing, so don’t let light bleeding stop you from being intimate with your partner.