Bump ‘n’ Grind: Cramps After Sex While Pregnant?

From awkward positions to unexpected pains, we’ve got the scoop on what’s causing cramps after sex while pregnant and what to do.
Sex while pregnant can be wonderful.

Having cramps after sex while pregnant? Not so much.

But cramping after sex during pregnancy can be par for the course.

A lot is going on in your body right now.

So is it normal to cramp after sex?

Let’s be honest, “normal” and “sex” are two words that have a more-than-interesting relationship with one another.

What we can tell you is that it’s common for sex to feel different during pregnancy ‒ and yes, sometimes, this may mean mild cramps.

The lower half of your body has a pretty busy schedule these days, what with making a baby and all, and it can sometimes get a bit overwhelmed, which may lead to some post-sex cramping.

In this article: 📝

Painful sex during pregnancy

Painful sex during pregnancy can leave you with a flurry of feelings, from worry about the baby inside you to a weird detachment from your body.

It’s a lot to cope with.

So here’s something to take off your list of things to worry about: sex while pregnant is safe for your baby.

They’ve got their amniotic sac to protect them from the outside world.

When it comes to all things sex, the bottom line is: don’t do it if it doesn’t feel good/right to you.

Sex is not an obligation.

You don’t have to do it.

Ever.

If on the other hand, you are loving sex during pregnancy, go for it.

Be gentle with yourself, but go for it, and feel free to try different positions to see what works for you during your pregnancy journey.

How long should I cramp after sex while pregnant?

While it’s normal to experience some cramping after sex during pregnancy, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it should last.

Every woman’s body is unique, just like every pregnancy is different.

So, if you’re feeling some discomfort, take a deep breath and listen to your body.

But, very generally speaking, most cramping after sex while pregnant should go away within 1 to 2 days after doing the deed.

If the cramps persist or become severe, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for some extra reassurance.

After all, pregnancy is hard enough without worrying about the little things.

Cramping after orgasm during pregnancy

Cramping after orgasm is common ‒ and generally safe.

You may be spotting a bit, too.

If you’re at all worried about any of these symptoms, check in with your doctor.

If you experience some pain and what feels like mild contractions after orgasm, it is a result of the muscles in your uterus naturally contracting after orgasm.

You might just feel this cramping more noticeably when pregnant.

Mild cramps are usually fine and can be managed with some TLC.

(Warm baths do wonders.)

If you’re at all concerned, chat with your healthcare provider.

Cramping after sex in early pregnancy can be a result of implantation ‒ that’s the process when the zygote attaches itself to the uterine wall.

Implantation happens really early on (as in a week or 2 after conception) so you may not even know that you’re pregnant at this point.

Implantation cramps may be accompanied by implantation bleeding, both of which are usually harmless.

Is cramping after sex a sign of pregnancy?

If you’re trying to conceive, you’re probably on the lookout for any potential early signs of pregnancy.

While cramping after sex can be a sign of pregnancy, it’s not always the case.

If you’re experiencing unusual cramping and think you might be pregnant, the best way to confirm is to take a pregnancy test (or two, or three ‒ just to be sure).

A blood test is always the surest way of confirming pregnancy.

And if you are indeed pregnant, congratulations!

Get ready for a wild ride full of surprises, including the occasional post-coital cramp.

Just remember to take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

When should you worry about cramping after sex while pregnant?

If cramps after sex while pregnant are accompanied by other symptoms, it may mean that something else is up.

If you experience any of the following symptoms during or after sex, check in with your doctor as soon as you can:

• The pain is excruciating. If the ache you are feeling gets progressively stronger, or it feels like a sharp pain in your abdomen, get to your doctor. You don’t have to tough it out. Really painful sex during pregnancy could be a sign that something is wrong. Some possibilities are ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus, or placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the uterine wall. Serious pain from cramping can also be a sign of early labor.
  
• Flu-like symptoms. Fever, chills, or just feeling generally unwell? Better check in with your doctor.
  
• Bleeding. While some spotting is usually okay, heavy bleeding requires medical attention. If heavy bleeding occurs in the second or third trimester, there is a possibility that this could be a result of placenta previa, where the placenta is not where it should be and instead is covering your cervix opening.

Can hard sex cause abdominal pain during pregnancy?

Sometimes, yes, ‘hard’ sex can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy, but it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm.

Your body is going through a lot of changes right now, and some discomfort is to be expected.

But if the pain is severe or persists for an extended period, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.

When should you stop having sex while pregnant?

So when should you put the brakes on pregnancy sex?

Well, there’s no hard and fast rule, but most healthcare providers recommend avoiding sex if there are any complications with the pregnancy ‒ like placenta previa.

It’s also recommended to avoid vaginal contact once your waters have broken or once you’ve started to dilate, to reduce the risk of infection.

If you’re feeling unsure or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

After all, they’re the experts, and they’ve heard it all before!

Can sex cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?

No. Sex does not cause miscarriage.

Painful sex during pregnancy can signal that something could be wrong (see above), but it’s not because you did something wrong.

Pregnancy loss is way more common than we talk about.

As in 1 in 8 pregnancies end in loss ‒ and it’s seriously time we normalized this conversation.

So if you’re worried that having sex will cause a pregnancy loss, or if you had a pregnancy loss and think sex was the cause, that is definitely a weight you should take off your shoulders.

Remember, if you have lost a pregnancy, it is not your fault.

What can you do about cramps after sex while pregnant?

Well, first and foremost, don’t panic!

Cramps after sex during pregnancy are a common occurrence and are often nothing to worry about.

That being said, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort:

• Rest up and let your body relax ‒ tension can sometimes make cramps feel more intense.
  
• Staying hydrated and nourished ‒ the last thing you need right now is a dehydration headache or hunger pangs.
  
• Take a warm bath ‒ making sure it’s not too hot.
  
• Use a heating pad ‒ once again, making sure your temperature doesn’t rise too much.
  
• Try a prenatal massage ‒ a pregnancy-safe massage can loosen up knots and help you relax.
  
• Take a paracetamol (Tylenol) ‒ this is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it’s worth checking with your doctor first if you have any doubts.

While cramps after sex during pregnancy can be a real pain, they’re often a normal part of the process.

Your body is going through incredible changes as it grows and nourishes your babe, and sometimes that can lead to a little discomfort.

So don’t be too hard on yourself!

And don’t stop yourself from enjoying the pleasures of sex!

Instead, focus on taking care of your body and communicating openly with your healthcare provider.

And if all else fails, remember that at least you’ve got a great excuse to ask for a little extra TLC.