Why does spotting appear after sex?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is not uncommon to notice a small amount of bloody discharge after having sex during pregnancy [1].
This bloody discharge can be harmless and is related to the body’s changes [2]. The cervix becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, so sex can irritate it, which can cause pinkish, brown, or light-red discharge. Even if you have no pain and the discharge does not last long, tell your doctor about it.
It’s a good idea to be cautious during intercourse, however. According to the director of perinatal services at Health + Hospitals in New York, Kecia Gaither [3], rough intercourse can damage the thin tissue known as the epithelium lining the vagina and cause vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding also can occur as a result of cervical erosion, which is a common condition in which cells from inside the cervical canal develop on the outside of the cervix [4].
In any case, even if the discharge appears only after intercourse, stop having sex for a while and immediately consult your doctor.
