Is it normal to have Bleeding during Pregnancy?
The medical term for spotting or abnormal vaginal bleeding when you are not pregnant is 'metrorrhagia'. Any vaginal bleeding or spotting in pregnancycan be concerning and it could mean an increased risk of miscarriage or early or preterm delivery.
Bleeding and spotting during the first 2-3 months of your pregnancy is a common event and is seen in about 1 in 3 pregnancies. However, bleeding and spotting after 20 weeks could be a problem because it is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery.
Good news for moms-to-be — pregnancy sex is totally safe and a great way for you to let off some of that extra sexual energy. Of course, no matter what the experts say, it’s natural to have a lot of questions, and even a few fears, about pregnancy sex. One of the biggest worries women may have is whether it is normal to bleed after pregnancy sex. Even though there are plenty of reasons for spotting, post-sex blood can be especially concerning for pregnant women.
Chances are, you don’t need to worry about the spotting. It is very unlikely that sex will harm your baby, and it’s also unlikely that bleeding after sex signifies a serious problem, according to Parents. But it’s completely understandable if you want to err on the side of caution, and it is always a good idea to be well informed about your health, especially during this time. So to learn more about what you may expect during pregnancy sex, I reached out to Cheryl Iglesia, a Maryland-based physician who is a leader in the field of female pelvic medicine. Here, she offered her expert advice on what is “normal” during pregnancy sex and how to keep it safe for you, your partner, and your baby.
If you do notice some spotting, wear a liner to keep an eye on how muchbleeding you’re experiencing. And although it’s almost always normal to have a little spotting after sex, it’s also okay to call your doctor to double-check.
Iglesia notes that cramping and spotting are normal after sex during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you should turn a blind eye to it. “Be concerned if there is heavier bleeding like a period,” she says.
Does bleeding during pregnancy always mean that there is a problem?
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has many causes. Some are serious, whereas others are not. Bleeding can occur early or later in pregnancy. Bleeding in early pregnancy is common. In many cases, it does not signal a major problem. Bleeding later in pregnancy can be more serious. It is best to contact your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional if you have any bleeding at any time during pregnancy.
How common is bleeding during early pregnancy?
Bleeding in the first trimester happens to about 15–25% of pregnant women. Light bleeding or spotting can occur 1–2 weeks after fertilization when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. The cervix may bleed more easily during pregnancy because more blood vessels are developing in this area. It is not uncommon to have spotting or light bleeding after sexual intercourse or after a Pap test or pelvic exam.
What problems can cause bleeding during early pregnancy?
Problems that can cause bleeding in early pregnancy include infection, early pregnancy loss, and ectopic pregnancy.
What is early pregnancy loss?
Loss of a pregnancy during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy is called early pregnancy loss or miscarriage. It happens in about 10% of known pregnancies. Bleeding and cramping are signs of early pregnancy loss. However, about one half of women who have a miscarriage do not have any bleeding beforehand.
If you have had an early pregnancy loss, some of the pregnancy tissue may be left in the uterus. This tissue needs to be removed. You can allow the tissue to pass naturally, or it can be removed with medication or surgery (see FAQ090 “Early Pregnancy Loss”).
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus but instead implants somewhere else, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tube ruptures, internal bleeding can occur. Blood loss may cause weakness, fainting, pain, shock, or even death.
Sometimes vaginal bleeding is the only sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Other symptoms may include abdominal, pelvic, or shoulder pain. These symptoms can occur before you even know you are pregnant. If you have these symptoms, call your ob-gyn or other health care professional. The pregnancy will not survive, and it must be removed with medication or surgery (see FAQ155 “Ectopic Pregnancy”).
What can cause bleeding later in pregnancy?
Common problems that may cause light bleeding later in pregnancy include inflammation of or growths on the cervix. Heavy bleeding is a more serious sign. Heavy bleeding may be caused by a problem with the placenta. Any amount of bleeding also may signal preterm labor. If you have any bleeding late in pregnancy, contact your ob-gyn right away or go immediately to the hospital.
Some common causes of bleeding based on the time of pregnancy are given below.
About one in five pregnant women bleed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons behind it could be:
Bleeding after the first trimester can be a sign of complication and if it happens to you or somebody you know, do not waste time in getting in touch with an obstetrician or gynecologist. Possible causes of bleeding during the second and third trimester are:
Visit here for more details About Can Bleeding during Pregnancy cause Birth Defects?
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