Sex during pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy: is it safe?
Couples often wonder
if sex and pregnancy are safe together. Unless your doctor has told you
otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby. The baby is
protected by the amniotic fluid in the uterus, your belly, and the mucous plug
that seals your cervix and helps protect you from infections.
When is sex during pregnancy unsafe?
Sex during pregnancy
is safe unless your doctor has told you that you are having a high-risk
pregnancy. Although there are several reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy, in
some situations your doctor may advise you to avoid sex.
These situations
include:
- History of premature birth or labor
- History of miscarriage
- If your water has broken
- If you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
- If you have placenta previa or a very low-lying placenta
- If you have an incompetent cervix or if it has dilated
- If you or your partner has a sexually transmitted disease
It is also important
to note that we are talking about vaginal sex here. Anal sex is not considered
safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. To learn more about the risks this
can bring to the equation, read our article on it here.
What changes are expected during pregnancy?
Sex and pregnancy can
still happen together, and your usual habits may not need to change. However,
due to the various changes taking place in your body, there are some changes
you can make to make life more comfortable.
Here are some things
to consider when thinking about sex during pregnancy:
- Fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, tender breasts, and shyness about weight gain can dampen your libido. Sometimes you may need a rest to recuperate - give yourself a break.
- The regular missionary position can become uncomfortable and requires consideration of other positions such as side by side or with you on top.
- As your breasts get bigger, they may become more tender or inflamed. Encourage your partner to explore other parts of your body and find other ways to caress you. With breast changes, it is better to avoid direct stimulation of the nipples.
- Increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which can lead to genital engorgement and increased sensitivity; however, for some women it may be more uncomfortable.
Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, you and your partner should be able to have sex during pregnancy. Pay attention to your body and make adjustments to get the most out of the experience.