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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. During my last pregnancy, I spotted and passed clots after having sex. A few weeks later, I had a miscarriage.Is this really that common and nothing to worry about?

A. Passing clots during pregnancy is not common in any circumstance, and you should call your caregiver when that occurs...but having some spotting after intercourse is not that unusual. There are tiny blood vessels on the cervix, and occasionally one may burst when it gets irritated by intercourse or a vaginal exam. Normal spotting after intercourse is usually brownish and scanty. Anytime you have clots or bright red bleeding in pregnancy though it is a good idea to err on the side of caution and contact your caregiver.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.