8 weeks pregnant and spotting after orgasim

Masturbating while pregnant is safe, unless your doctor or midwife advises you to avoid it due to a pregnancy complication.

Don't worry about harming your baby when you masturbate, have sex, or have an orgasm. Your little one is well protected in your uterus, surrounded by layers of muscle and safely cushioned in amniotic fluid. The mucus plug in your cervix also helps guard against infection by preventing foreign substances from reaching your baby.

Plus, there are health benefits to sexual satisfaction: It releases endorphins and can be a natural painkiller, and an orgasm can lower your stress and help you relax. You might see an increase in your libido during pregnancy because of hormonal changes, especially after the more unpleasant side effects (like nausea, moodiness, and fatigue) lessen after your first trimester.

Having sex and masturbating may feel different while you're pregnant. Increased blood flow to your pelvic area can heighten sensations that may add to your pleasure and make your orgasms more intense. (Or, conversely, you might be so sensitive that too much stimulation can be unpleasant.)

Vibrators and other sex toys are fine to use during pregnancy, so don't hesitate to explore and have fun – on your own or with a partner. Be aware that penetrative toys may cause some light spotting or bleeding, since your cervix can be more sensitive when you're pregnant. And make sure to clean everything with soap and water after each use.

Mutual masturbation can be a good way to connect with your partner. If it's not something the two of you normally do, even better: Research shows that couples often experiment more in the bedroom when a partner is pregnant, and trying something new together can bring you closer.

It might be especially appealing if penetrative sex is out of the question for you while you're pregnant – either because it's uncomfortable, or because you have a high-risk pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may advise against vaginal sex (and any kind of vaginal penetration) if you're high-risk or have any of these conditions:

• Placenta previa
• Preterm labor (or a history of preterm labor)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge
• Cervical insufficiency
• A dilated cervix
• Ruptured membranes (your water has broken)
• An outbreak of genital herpes, or oral herpes (cold sores) if you're receiving oral sex
• Other sexually transmitted infections

If you have one of the complications above, your healthcare provider may advise you not just to avoid sex, but also to avoid masturbating and having an orgasm. In rare instances, if you're high-risk, the contractions you have after an orgasm could lead to more contractions that bring on preterm labor.

It's normal for an orgasm to cause mild cramping or Braxton Hicks contractions. You may also notice some light bleeding or spotting. This is usually harmless, but call your healthcare provider if:

• Your cramps get worse or don't go away after a few minutes.
• You start bleeding heavily or you bleed for more than 48 hours afterward.
• You notice abnormal vaginal discharge.
• You're in pain.

As always, if you're not sure whether a sexual activity is safe for you, ask your provider.

Learn more about having sex during pregnancy, including having oral sex, and check out our illustrated guide to some pregnancy sex positions.

Pregnancy sex has a host of benefits, ranging from lowered blood pressure to increased intimacy in your relationship. But what if a romantic night ends with blood-tinged toilet paper? If you notice some blood after having sex during pregnancy, here's what you should know.

Before you make a beeline for the hospital, it's important to know that bleeding after sex while pregnant can be normal, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. In fact, 15% to 25% of pregnant people experience vaginal bleeding in the first trimester, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)—and those brown, pink, or red spots of blood can be harmless.

What Causes Bleeding After Sex During Pregnancy?

The most common cause of bleeding is related to your pregnancy hormones. Levels of progesterone rise throughout gestation; in turn, blood vessels become larger and more friable (easily traumatized).

Vaginal penetration—whether with a penis, finger, or toy—might cause a vessel on the cervix to bleed, especially if the object comes into contact with your cervix. This won't endanger your pregnancy, but switching up sex positions may resolve the issue. For penis-in-vagina sex, try spooning, rear-entry, or you sitting on top of your partner.

Other non-worrisome causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy sex include vaginal dryness or cervical polyps. If it's super early in your pregnancy (like before your period is even due), you may also experience implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding can sometimes happen when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus—usually 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding appears inconsistently for hours or days, and it's usually tinged pink or brown.

When Should I Worry About Bleeding After Pregnancy Sex?

While bleeding during pregnancy is somewhat common, in some cases, light or heavy bleeding after sex during pregnancy could signal trouble, especially if it happens during the second or third trimester.

Placenta previa (when the placenta fully or partially covers the cervix) and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus) sometimes lead to bleeding. Other concerning causes include miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or early labor.

It's important to note that pregnancy sex in any form doesn't cause miscarriage, placenta previa, or other dangerous conditions. However, if you do have one of those conditions, your doctor may want you to avoid sex or reaching orgasm, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing bleeding during pregnancy.

Dr. Minkin says to notify your prenatal care provider about any bleeding during your pregnancy so they can evaluate it. Don't have sex or masturbate until you get the all-clear, and wear pads instead of tampons to track the blood flow. Seek immediate medical attention if you have extremely heavy bleeding, painful cramps, any fluid discharge, high fever, dizziness, or contractions.

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