Pregnant and spotting after intercourse

Pregnancy increases blood flow to the cervix, so contact during intercourse can cause light spotting. Other explanations include irritation, infection or changes on the cervix. Bleeding between periods is described in [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/). Conditions such as [Chlamydia](/conditions/chlamydia/), [Cervical Dysplasia](/conditions/cervical-dysplasia/) or [Cervical Cancer](/conditions/cervical-cancer/) can also present with bleeding, but spotting alone cannot identify its cause. A pregnancy clinician may ask about the colour and amount of blood, pain, discharge, pregnancy stage and whether it recurs after sex.

Pause intercourse until you have received advice if bleeding is continuing or has not been assessed. Use a pad rather than an internal product so you can observe the amount and colour. Note when it began, whether it followed sex, and any cramps, dizziness, fever or unusual discharge. Contact your maternity service or obstetric clinician, even when the spotting is light. Do not self-treat a possible infection or stop prescribed medicine without guidance.

Seek urgent care for bleeding that becomes heavy, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, dizziness, fever, or feeling faint or unwell. Prompt assessment is also needed if bleeding keeps returning, occurs with reduced wellbeing, or you have a known pregnancy complication. Do not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are severe.

Ask whether you need an examination or ultrasound, whether intercourse should be avoided for now, how to monitor bleeding, and which symptoms require emergency care. Mention any previous cervical screening result or infection treatment.