Blood During Sex While Pregnant

Pregnancy often does not come with prohibitions against having sex. However, this delicate period is always accompanied by concerns over every little thing, especially when it involves spotting after sex. Let’s understand what is considered bleeding, which discharges are normal, and when it is necessary to urgently see a doctor.

What discharges are considered normal during pregnancy

Discharges exist to protect the fetus from various infections. So, their presence is not just normal but an essential protective mechanism. However, since discharges can vary, it’s important to define what is normal.

So, normal discharges are considered:

1. Clear and white discharges without an obvious odor.
2. Yellow sticky discharge. Occurs due to increased progesterone levels.
3. Discharge with blood remnants. It’s important to understand that spotting and bleeding during sex in pregnancy are completely different things.

If you notice discharge beyond the norm or bleeding after sex during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist. However, there’s no need to panic. Remember, carrying a child is a very individual process.

Causes of spotting after sex during pregnancy

Bleeding during sex in pregnancy can be caused by various reasons. 

Among the most common reasons:

1. After sex in early pregnancy, implantation of the fertilized egg occurs, which can cause implantation bleeding during sex in pregnancy. This is a normal condition due to natural processes in the body.
2. Discharge after sex can occur as a result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Mucus secretion increases, and sex acts as an additional stimulation.
3. After sex, discharge occurs due to the blood flow to the uterus during intercourse. This may result in noticing bloody traces in the usual discharge.

There are also more serious causes of bleeding during sex while pregnant, which require medical attention:

1. Infectious diseases. Thrush, vaginosis, chlamydia, etc. All of these can cause blood discharge after sex during pregnancy. If they appear not only after sex but are constantly present, it is worth undergoing an examination.
2. Miscarriage. If bleeding occurs in large amounts, it is a significant reason to go to the hospital immediately. Sometimes minutes can save the child and the mother.
3. Vaginal injuries. Rough intercourse, sports activities, and mechanical injuries can cause cracks and wounds in the vagina.
4. Ectopic pregnancy. This threat is possible only in the early stages. After the first ultrasound, the doctor can determine the location of the egg with 100% certainty.
5. Placental abruption is another dangerous reason why bleeding might occur.

There can be dozens of reasons. It is important to monitor how you feel and estimate the amount of discharge. Typically, spotting does not require intervention.

How to distinguish spotting from bleeding

Before you start panicking and calling an ambulance, let’s try to determine exactly what you are experiencing.

1. Spotting – a small amount of smearing substance. It can vary in color from barely noticeable pink to the color of dried blood.
2. If blood starts flowing and the bleeding has an active red color, a more fluid texture. The amount of blood during the bleeding is significantly more.

Bleeding requires immediate consultation at a clinic, whereas discharge can be considered normal, and you only need to inform your gynecologist at the next examination.

When bloody discharge is normal

It cannot be said with 100% certainty that blood during sex in pregnancy is normal and you are completely safe. Any discharge with blood traces is a reason to see a gynecologist for consultation, examination, and testing. 

In the early stages

The first weeks of pregnancy are truly the only period when bloody discharge (not bleeding!) can be considered normal. During this period, the embryo is attaching, which causes the discharge coloration. Also, in the first half of the term, the body may react to hormonal changes in this way.

In Late Stages

If you notice a bit of blood after sex in the late stages, it’s a signal to see a doctor. This could be due to mechanical damage to the uterus, placenta detachment, miscarriage, or the release of the mucus plug, which is a sign of impending labor. In any case, you should contact your gynecologist and explain the situation. 

When to Seek Consultation from Specialists

Consulting a doctor is mandatory if there is bleeding during sex in the late stages of pregnancy, if there is a characteristic smell, occurs in large quantities, or is accompanied by pain. 

A specialist examination will help identify the cause of the discharge and address it promptly. Do not delay a visit to the doctor if you have concerns about the normal progression of the pregnancy.

When is sex prohibited during pregnancy

Sex is an important part of family life. During a normal pregnancy, sex is not only not contraindicated, it is even recommended by doctors. Of course, activity during intercourse should be limited, and optimal positions should be chosen. However, there are cases when sex during pregnancy is contraindicated:

1. Lack of desire. Due to hormonal changes, a woman may experience a temporary loss of libido. This is normal, and you should not force yourself to make love.
2. In the case of multiple pregnancies, intimacy should be avoided after the 20th week.
3. Low placement of the placenta or its insufficiency.
4. If the woman suffers from habitual miscarriages.
5. Amniotic fluid is leaking.
6. The woman feels discomfort or even pain during sex.
7. Bleeding occurs during sex in pregnancy.
8. Significant blood discharge during sex while pregnant.
9. Increased uterine tone.

Enjoy life during this exciting period, don’t deprive yourself of pleasure, but remember to take care of yourself and the baby. If bleeding occurs after sex during pregnancy, consult a doctor to ensure you and the baby are safe.