Sex During Pregnancy : What’s Right And What’s Not

Can we have sex during pregnancy? Will it harm my baby? Can having sex during pregnancy trigger labor? This and a plethora of other questions pop up in an expecting couple’s mind while thinking about having sex during pregnancy. While there is enough information about sex before pregnancy, hardly anyone delves into the murky world of sex during pregnancy.

Read on as we tell you everything you need to know about sex during pregnancy.

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Sex during pregnancy is considered safe as long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally. In a normal pregnancy, you can have sex as often as you want, right up until your water breaks. However, there are certain circumstances under which you might need to abstain from sex. Talk to your doctor before you hit the sheets if you are having a complicated pregnancy.

When Should Sex Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

As mentioned above, there are certain conditions under which sex should be avoided at all cost. Your doctor might advise you to abstain from sex under any one of these circumstances:

• If you have a history or threat of miscarriage
• If you show signs of premature labor like premature uterine contractions or have a history of preterm labor.
• If you are suffering from unexplained vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge or cramping.
• If you are suffering from a leakage of amniotic fluid
• If you have placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta’s position is so low that it covers your cervix
• If you are suffering from a dilated cervix, which raises the risk of miscarriage or premature labor
• If you or your partner are suffering from an outbreak of genital herpes or feel one coming.
• If either one of you is suffering from sexually transmitted infections

Also be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptom during or after your intercourse.

Does Having Sex During Pregnancy Lead To Miscarriage?

Not really. If you are going through a normal pregnancy, having sex while pregnant will not cause any risk of miscarriage. During pregnancy, it is normal for women to experience uterine contractions during orgasm. Pregnancy heightens the sensation of these contractions, as your uterus is now swollen and your blood flow has increased. However, these contractions won’t lead you to lose your baby. The fluid-filled amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles keep your baby protected against sexual activity induced movements. The thick mucus plug that seals the cervix, on the other hand, keeps the baby guarded against infections.

Can Have Sex During Pregnancy Trigger Premature Labour?

Many believe that having sex during pregnancy might lead to premature labor. However, this idea is nothing more than an old-time folklore. While orgasms and prostaglandins present in semen cause uterine contractions, there is no scientific proof to suggest that they lead to premature birth. Most doctors, however, would recommend avoiding sex if you are at a risk of preterm labor.

Is It Safe To Have Oral Sex When Expecting?

Oral sex is safe to indulge in during pregnancy, though with caution. If you are receiving oral sex, make sure that your partner is not blowing air into your vagina. A wayward burst of air might block a blood vessel, creating a life-threatening situation for you and your baby. Though these cases are rare, one must be cautious about it. Expecting mothers should not fear from performing oral sex on their partner, as it does not cause any harm. Swallowing sperm will also do you no harm.

Is It Safe To Have Anal Sex During Pregnancy?

In case you are having a normal and healthy pregnancy, anal sex during pregnancy should not be a problem. However, there are certain exceptions to it:

• Anal sex should be avoided if you are suffering from hemorrhoids (piles). Hemorrhoids are common for pregnant women, and it only becomes worse as the pregnancy progresses. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and they are bleeding, it is best to avoid anal sex. Anal sex tends to aggravate the situation and leads to blood loss, which might endanger you and your baby.
• It is best to stay away from anal sex if you are suffering from anal fissures. Constipation is quite normal in pregnancy and straining to relieve yourself leads to the formation of fissures in your anal area. These fissures might bleed or hurt while having anal sex.
• In case you are suffering from placenta previa, it is best to avoid anal sex. Anal sex causes trauma to your placenta if it is partially or fully covering your cervix. The trauma is severe enough to cause significant bleeding that might put your pregnancy in danger.

Hygiene is of utmost importance while having anal sex. Remember to have your partner wash his genitalia thoroughly or change his condom before switching to vaginal sex.

When Is The Best Time To Have Sex During Pregnancy?

While it is possible to have sex throughout your pregnancy, most couples experience ups and downs in their sexual desire as the pregnancy progresses.

• First Trimester: The first cycle of pregnancy is when most women suffer from diminished sex drive. This decrease is attributed mostly to exhaustion or feeling nauseous while thinking about sex. Physical changes like sore breasts may also make you averse to the idea of sex.
• Second Trimester: When it comes to sex, the second trimester is the best time of pregnancy. Now that your fatigue and nausea have lifted, you find your libido coming back. Certain physical changes like engorgement of clitoris or vagina might also lead to an increase in pleasure.
• Third Trimester: It is quite common for women to notice a drop in sexual desire during this time. The sheer size of a woman’s belly in the third trimester makes having sex an impossible task. The exhaustion from the first trimester also comes during this stage. The increase in size also leads to many women feeling conscious about their body, which decreases their desire to have sex. Some, on the other hand, are too preoccupied with childbirth and labor to engaging in sex.

What Are The Best Sex Positions For A Pregnant Women?

Since your body does not undergo many changes in the first trimester, it is possible to have sex like usual. However, as your belly starts getting bigger it is time to get creative with your positions. Some of the best positions to have sex during your pregnancy are:

• Spooning: A cozy and intimate position, spooning allows for shallow penetration. In this position, you lie with your back facing towards your partner, as he enters you from behind. Many couples try this during the advanced stages of their pregnancy, as deep penetration could become uncomfortable in the later months.
• Side-By-Side: This is another great position to try while having sex during late pregnancy. In this position, both you and your partner lie on your side while facing each other. For extra support, you could wedge a pillow under your back and rest both legs on your partner’s hips. This position helps your partner to control his thrusts and keep his weight off your abdomen.

Click on the link to know about more safe sex positions and tips to keep in mind for sex during pregnancy.

Originally published at www.babygogo.in on July 27, 2017.