What should you know about third-trimester spotting after intercourse?

Pregnancy increases blood flow to the cervix, so contact during intercourse can cause light spotting. The cervix may also bleed because of inflammation, infection, or a cervical growth. Chlamydia and cervical dysplasia are examples of conditions a clinician may consider when symptoms or examination suggest them. Spotting does not by itself diagnose cancer or another serious condition.

Late-pregnancy bleeding can also be related to the placenta, labour, or another pregnancy complication. The amount may start small, and colour alone cannot establish the cause. A maternity assessment may include questions about pain, contractions, fluid leakage, fetal movement, and recent intercourse, followed by examination and monitoring.

Stop intercourse and use a pad so you can observe the amount and colour while contacting your maternity unit. Do not insert anything into the vagina until a clinician advises you. Note contractions, pain, fluid leakage, fetal movement, dizziness, and whether the bleeding is increasing. Keep your maternity records available and follow the team’s advice about where to attend.

Seek emergency help for heavy or increasing bleeding, severe abdominal pain, faintness, collapse, or feeling very unwell. Contact maternity assessment urgently for any fresh bleeding, regular contractions, fluid leakage, reduced fetal movement, fever, or new pelvic pain. Do not wait to see whether the spotting settles after intercourse.

Ask whether your cervix, placenta, and pregnancy need assessment, whether infection testing is appropriate, and when intercourse can safely resume. Tell the clinician about medicines, previous bleeding, and any history of cervical problems so the assessment is complete.