You are pregnant. And now you may worry that having sex while pregnant is not safe. Will the penis harm the baby? Can sex cause miscarriage? Can the baby feel sex? Is it okay to have an orgasm during pregnancy? Is sex during pregnancy safe? For many women, the libido can be greatly affected during pregnancy – either boosted or diminished – which can add to sexual questions and concerns.
Perhaps the best rule of thumb to follow is that unless you have a high-risk pregnancy and have been advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, sex is considered safe during pregnancy. That being said, whether you have sex, enjoy sex, or are comfortable with sex while pregnant is entirely a personal decision. Your normal may be different from someone else’s normal, and that is perfectly okay.
Medically speaking, sex is considered safe unless you have a history of: cervical weakness, a low-lying placenta (placenta previa), heavy bleeding, or vaginal infection. If any of these conditions are present, doctors advise you to abstain from intercourse.
One of the most common myths about sex during pregnancy is that sex will bring on labor. In fact, many women who go past their due date try having sex in order to bring on labor because the semen can act as a stimulant, as can the hormone oxytocin. Even so, if you are not ready to give birth, having sex will not bring on pre-term or early labor.
One of the most important things to remember is that some positions during sex will likely not be comfortable for you. The trick is finding positions that work well around your cumbersome belly, and that don’t put excess pressure on your back and abdomen.
Additionally, once you have lost your mucous plug (in the third trimester) any bacteria from the penis or semen can be passed along to your baby. If you are in the mood for lovemaking, it might be wise to use protection. Remember that certain STD’s can be present without symptoms and they too can be passed unwittingly along to your baby causing complications during delivery and afterwards.
The truth is, that your sexual preferences during pregnancy are personal. You and your partner should work together to find sexual positions and levels of intimacy that both of you are comfortable with. Additionally, if you feel any pain during intercourse, you should speak with your doctor and avoid intercourse, if possible.
Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.
