HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologyblood spotsWill intercourse during early pregnancy cause brown spotting?

I am in my sixth week of pregnancy. Is it normal to get brown spotting before and after intercourse?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Reetika

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 7, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am in my sixth week of pregnancy. Is it normal for brown spotting to come and go during this period? I was told that the baby was fine in my recent check-up. The spotting has been on and off for a week and happened the day before and after intercourse. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have also seen the image shared by you (attachment removed to protect the patient's privacy).

1) A little bit of spotting during early pregnancy is nothing very serious. A brown discharge is primarily due to the blood being old or something like the implantation blood coming out slowly. So there is nothing to worry about as far as color is concerned.

2) Intercourse during early pregnancy also sometimes causes bleeding as the cervix is highly sensitive during pregnancy. As long as you are not having abdominal pain or cramps, and there is just blood spotting and not heavy bleeding, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is it normal for the brown spotting to come and go? Because the spotting is not always present, it is on and off.

Answered by Dr. Reetika

Hello,

Welcome back to iCliniq.com.

1) If the spotting is minimal and is not associated with pain or lower abdomen heaviness, it is probably the implantation bleeding and will go by 12 weeks.

2) If it is due to trauma to the cervix because of coitus (sexual intercourse), there is nothing to worry.

3) At this early stage, the well-being of pregnancy can be told by an ultrasound scan. So, if the fetal heart is fine in the scan, and there is no subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma (bleeding or blood clot under the membrane covering the baby), then there is nothing to worry.

Please rest well, avoid lifting heavy weights, factors causing constipation, and sexual intercourse. Also, until a scan, no bleeding can be termed normal in early pregnancy.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Reetika
Dr. Reetika

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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