I am pregnant and I'm experiencing bleeding after intercourse. The bleeding stops after a short while, but it seems to be getting heavier as my pregnancy goes on. Is this normal or should I panic?

--Laura

You didn't mention how far along you are. If you are early, my guess would be that you have a mild infection or irritation of the cervix that causes it to bleed a little bit when traumatized by intercourse. If you are past the 20th week or so, I'd start to worry about placenta previa (in which the placenta lies dangerously low in the uterus, covering the cervix) or preterm labor.

All bleeding in pregnancy needs to be discussed with your obstetrician or midwife and evaluated. A speculum exam should be done to look for infection or a polyp (a benign growth that frequently bleeds in pregnancy). If you are beyond 20 weeks, an ultrasound should be done as well to rule out placenta previa or placental abruption (in which part of the placenta separates from the uterine wall). If you have placenta previa you will be placed on pelvic rest (no more sex). If your cervix is beginning to open due to premature labor, you will be placed on pelvic rest and bedrest and given medication to stop contractions. If there is a small placental abruption, you and the baby will be very closely monitored. If it is merely an infection, that will be treated with appropriate antibiotics or vaginal creams.

Again, any pregnant woman who experiences any vaginal bleeding should talk with her doctor. It should never be ignored.