Table of contents:
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, what does it mean to miscarry?
- Why does the vagina bleed after sex during pregnancy?
- Should I report this to the doctor?
Sex during pregnancy is considered safe under most circumstances. However, after a passionate sex session with a partner, it's normal to panic once you find out that you have bleeding.
Is this dangerous? How about your baby? Any concerns about bleeding after sex during pregnancy are discussed in full in this article.
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, what does it mean to miscarry?
One of the main concerns associated with bleeding after sex during pregnancy is miscarriage. But, there is no reason to panic excessively.
The chances of you having a miscarriage after sex during pregnancy are very small, and the risk tends to be almost zero once the gestational age reaches 12 weeks. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean your baby is in danger. Your baby is comfortably and securely protected in the amniotic sac of the uterus, over the vagina, while the mucus tightly seals the cervix. So take the thought that sex is hurting your baby.
It's common for pregnant women to experience light blood spots or occasional bleeding after sexual activity during the second or third trimester. If you have a history of miscarriage from a previous pregnancy, your doctor may have advised you to postpone sexual intercourse during the first trimester, just to be safe.
Why does the vagina bleed after sex during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the level and volume of blood supply to the female genital tract increases significantly to ensure optimal nutrition for the development of the baby through the placenta. This increase in blood supply is caused by the formation of many groups of fine blood vessels to meet the high oxygen demands of both mother and fetus. Sex (including times when sex is more intense or intense than usual) causes these vessels to burst due to the large amount of pressure being put on by the cervix. As a result, spotting or light bleeding appears.
Bleeding like this is generally harmless. You can continue to have sex during pregnancy by asking your partner to be gentler the next time or switch to another sex position, for example spooning or penetration from behind, to help prevent spotting. Talk with your partner about your preferences and concerns.
Should I report this to the doctor?
You should still report to your doctor about any vaginal bleeding you experience at any stage of your pregnancy to make it safer, especially if one or more of the following symptoms are followed. Because although the chance of a miscarriage is small, "vaginal bleeding after sex during pregnancy can signal other problems, such as the placenta detaching from the uterus," says Laura Riley, MD, a specialist in maternal and fetal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
- Intense abdominal cramps, severe pain around the pelvis and lower abdomen
- Abundant vaginal bleeding, whether it hurts or not
- Production of vaginal fluid containing loose tissue
- High fever, more than 38ºC with / without chills (chills)
- Uterine contractions occur that are induced by sexual activity, but remain present even after sex has long ended
You should wear a pantyliner or thin bandage if bleeding occurs frequently, as a way to keep track of how much bleeding and blood type (whether it is dark red, pink, or brown; or if it's just blood or is accompanied by clots). Take the bleeding sample to your doctor for tests to get a proper diagnosis.
