Sex During Pregnancy
Is it OK?
It is been wondered by millions of couples around the world if sex is safe during the pregnancy period. The answer is yes, as long as your healthcare provider advises you. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in the womb, the abdomen, and the mucus plug, which seals the cervix and helps guard against infections.
In a normal pregnancy, going on to sexual intercourse is not linked with early miscarriage. If you are feeling sexy and well enough, it might be good to keep your sex life going through pregnancy. The studies show no link between having sex during pregnancy and premature birth in a normal, healthy pregnancy. One study found that pregnant women who had regular sex during pregnancy were less likely to give birth prematurely.
When is it not safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Sex is only safe during pregnancy when your healthcare provider has indicated that you do not have a high-risk pregnancy. However, there are a few reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy. In some situations, your healthcare provider will point out to avoid sex. These conditions are:
- History of miscarriage
- History of premature labor or birth
- If your water has broken
- If you experience inexplicable vaginal bleeding or discharge
- If you have an incompetent cervix or if it has widened
- If you or your partner has a sexually transmitted disease
- If you have placenta previa or a very low-lying placenta
What are the changes with sexual intercourse during pregnancy?
You might not have any change if you have sexual intercourse during pregnancy. However, your body will change during pregnancy so you may want some changes to make things comfortable. Here is some information that you should consider when thinking about sex during pregnancy:
- The common missionary position may become uncomfortable and warrant considering other positions, such as side by side or with you on top.
- Exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations, tender breasts, and self-consciousness about weight gain can bring your sex drive to a halt. Sometimes you need rest to regain energy, so give yourself a break.
- As your breasts increase in size, they may become more tender or sore. Encourage your partner to explore other parts of your body and to find other ways to embrace you. With the changes in your breast, it is best to avoid direct nipple stimulation.
- Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can lead to engorgement of the genitals and heighten the sensation; however, for some women, this can be more uncomfortable.