Question for a Friend

[Saphira]

So my coworker is expecting her first child. And when something "new" happens in her pregnancy, she asks me about it.

Last month's question was, "I bled after sex, is that normal?" I told her I was NOT sure and to mention it to her gynecologist, but that she should definately go to the emergency room ASAP if the bleeding pursists or starts again - just to be safe. Cuz that's what I would do. I never bled after sex.

Well at work tonight, she has been telling one of our other coworkers who has had a miscarriage and two daughters by c-section, that she bleeds after sex - every single time. And her and her hubby, the not pregnant coworker said, have sex basically every night with spotting following shortly afterward.

I wanted to know if this is a normal occurence or if she should definately go get checked out? I mean, she's seeing a gynecologist... I know that... maybe has mentioned it to her? But I dunno. I'm just looking out for her and the safety of her baby.

Thanx in advance. :]

[NoAdditives]

It can be common but it's always best to check with a doctor or go to the ER. Bleeding during pregnancy, especially the first trimester is fairly common but it can definitely be a sign of something serious.

In her case, if she's not spotting any other time, it could just be that sex is irritating the cervix and rupturing some superficial capillaries. But still. There's no to go around asking everyone who's had kids if it's normal. It's much safer to ask a doctor.

[odimauro]

I had spotting during first trimester and was absolutely scared out of my mind. No one could tell me exactly why it was happening. They just said that spotting indicates that there is a certain chance of miscarriage. Of course, that would drive me to tears.

Then I was lucky enough to find an old doctor, who explained to me, even over the phone, what is happening. She said, that there is a remainder of blood behind the placenta. As the fetus and placenta are developing they push that blood out and spotting results.

She recommended me to not have sex for about 3 weeks after spotting disappears, just to make sure it is safe. And in the mean time, relax and rest a lot.

I had spotting for about a month, but then it went away and the baby was fine. We were able to have sex after that and all throughout pregnancy without any problems.

[allisonb]

I'm not sure how far along she is, but for me, after sex or going to the OB/GYN for internal exams after about 34 weeks, I would bleed a little. I would absolutely tell her to at least call her OB's office and talk to a nurse about the spotting after sex. I was told that sex/OB internal exams could irritate your cervix which was already thinning out for delivery and that was why I bled.

[Saphira]

I guess I shoulda mentioned she's almost 8 months along, if not already 8 months. And this has been going on since 6 months, if not before.

But thanx. I'm gonna talk to her and see if she mentioned it to her doctor.