Bleeding After Sex During Pregnancy

Increased Blood Supply

During pregnancy, the blood supply towards your vagina and cervix will increase both in rate and volume (Remember, from the moment you get pregnant, your blood volume starts to increase). Therefore, increased pressure during intercourse can result in spotting or minor bleeding

Increased Number of Capillaries

During pregnancy, numerous blood vessels form to meet the increased demand for oxygen and nourishment for the fetus and mother. More capillaries are formed in the vaginal and cervical areas too. These capillaries are so delicate that they can easily break during the intercourse

Softening Cervi

The cervix becomes tender during pregnancy and can get easily irritated. This can result in bleeding, especially after a vigorous rough sex

Cervical Polyps

Due to the increased level of the hormone estrogen, cervical polyps are a common occurrence in the course of pregnancy. Spotting after intercourse can be due to this reason

Is Bleeding After Sex in Pregnancy is Normal?

If you have the green light from your doctor, there is no problem with having sex when you are pregnant also. Sex is good for the mother during pregnancy time, as it gives her a chance to let off some steam and de-stress after some stressful things.

Seeing bleeding after sex can be a little harrowing, but there is no need to worry about it. Bleeding after sex is actually a normal thing during pregnancy time, and it does not mean in any way that your baby is in danger. During the pregnancy period, the baby is sealed safely in the amniotic sac in the uterus, and also mucus plugs the cervix close. So there is no harm that comes to the baby by sex.

Can Sex During Pregnancy Cause A Miscarriage?

The chances of having a miscarriage triggered by intercourse are very rare. This is because the baby is safely placed in the amniotic sac, filled with amniotic fluid, and sealed by the mucus plug. The amniotic fluid acts as a cushion and shock absorber.

Moreover, the baby is physically placed way back from the intercourse occurring part of the vagina. However, if you bear a history of miscarriage, the doctor might ask you to avoid sex during the first trimester just as part of the safety measures.

How Can Bleeding After Sex During Pregnancy Be Avoided?

With all the capillaries and softened cervix, there are no hundred percent guaranteed preventive measures to avoid bleeding after sex. However, the following steps may help to minimize the chances of bleeding.

Select Comfortable and Safe Positions During Sex

Certain sexual positions are capable of triggering vaginal bleeding or spotting. Avoid those positions, which increase the pressure on the vaginal area. Therefore, experiment with safe sex positions like spooning, rear entry, etc., which puts less pressure on the vaginal area

Avoid Rough Sex

Try gentle sex rather than going for the rough and vigorous one while you are pregnant. Some women also prefer having cozy moments like a shower, cuddling, and kissing, which make you feel close, but do not cause any pressure on the uterus. Be sure you talk to your partner about your preferences

Use Lubricants

It is better to use water-based lubricants to reduce friction and discomfort during sex. This will decrease the chances of cervical irritation, thereby, the chances of bleeding also decrease. Coconut oil is a wonderful natural lubricant, and being free of any preservatives whatsoever, it makes an excellent choice. Careful steer clear of lubricants that contain glycerin, as these can give you a thrush

When Should I Seek Medical Attention When I Experience Bleeding After Sex In Pregnancy?

On the safe side, mention any change in the vaginal discharge to the doctor. Spotting after sex is not an exception. Though it usually won’t affect the progression of a healthy pregnancy, as we always say, during pregnancy, we should always expect unexpected issues.

You should always evaluate the quantity, nature, and appearance of the bleeding after sex. Wear a pad and notice the color of blood. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following issues, as it can be an indication of miscarriage:

• If the vaginal discharge contains clots or tissues
• If cramps or severe pain appears in the abdomen
• Experience continuous bleeding with or without pain
• If the uterine contraction that appears as a result of sex or orgasm persists
• It feels dizzy
• It experiences high temperature with or without chills

When Should Sex In Pregnancy Be Avoided?

In spite of all these facts, there are certain conditions that don’t favor intercourse during pregnancy, like:

Cervical Incompetence

Cervical incompetence is a condition in which the cervix is not closed fully. If you are experiencing cervical incompetence, you are already at risk of preterm labor and pregnancy loss. In this case, avoid intercourse throughout the pregnancy.

Placenta Previa

In Placenta Previa,  the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix. In this case, the chances of miscarriage are very high if you try sex even in so-called safe positions. Hence, avoid sex if you are experiencing this condition

Multiple pregnancies

Carrying more than one baby itself, place you in the high-risk category of pregnancy. Avoid sex, as you are more vulnerable to abortion

Be on the safe side, and it is better to take precautions than to be sorry!