Final answer:
Spotting and cramping with a 3 cm dilated cervical os could indicate the first stage of labor or a possible miscarriage, especially if no tissues have passed. Immediate medical attention is advised to determine the cause and appropriate care.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sexually active woman experiencing spotting and intense cramp-type pains with a cervical os dilated to 3 cm, but without the passage of tissues, could be in the first stage of labor. During this stage, the cervix thins out and begins to dilate, which is necessary for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth. It's important to note that if she is in fact in labor and the process halts before reaching the second stage, a medication such as synthetic oxytocin, or Pitocin, may be given to restart and maintain contractions. However, if the woman is not at term or the pregnancy has not been confirmed, this could be a sign of a miscarriage or other medical conditions such as endometriosis, requiring immediate medical attention.