Bleeding after sex during pregnancy

Dr Bronwyn Moore (gynaecologist) answers:

Bleeding in pregnancy is not uncommon, it can happen can happen at any stage and can have many causes. Sex during pregnancy is generally not a problem unless you have a low-lying placenta, your cervix is short or if you are at risk for preterm labour, then your doctor may advise against it.

The most common reason for bleeding after intercourse is that the cervix becomes very vascular and soft during pregnancy. The surface of the cervix is very soft and any pressure on it can cause contact bleeding.