If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you may have been looking for sex advice before conception or after birth but there is less information available about sex during pregnancy since this can be a social taboo. You probably have a lot of questions about what other couples do for romance during this time and what is safe for the baby. However, what is considered a normal sex life can vary greatly. There is no denying that pregnancy will change your sex life, but communicating with your partner will help to ensure that your sex life continues to be satisfying during pregnancy and safe for your baby.
Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?
If you are having a normal pregnancy, it is safe to have sex. Your baby is protected by the uterus and your abdomen as well as the amniotic sac, so movement or penetration will do no harm to the baby. Contractions from an orgasm will also not cause danger, though it is generally recommended to abstain from sex in the final weeks of pregnancy because orgasm contractions could stimulate labor. One exception is that women that are overdue may use sex to try to stimulate labor this way.
When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy
There are some circumstances when it may be best to limit the impact of sexual intercourse. Your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit sex if you have:
- An infection
- A history of pre-term labor
- A history of miscarriage
- Leakage of amniotic fluid or breaking water
- Vaginal bleeding or cramps
- Placenta previa
- Incompetent cervix
- Pain with intercourse
If you are not sure whether sex during pregnancy is safe or not, talk to your doctor first. Doctors often advise couples to stop having sex in the final weeks of pregnancy, and you are suggested to seek for specific limitations or requirement from you doctor. You should also let your doctor know if you experience any symptoms such as contractions after sex discharge, bleeding or pain to determine if it is safe to keep having sex.
Also remember to talk to your partner about your feelings about sex throughout your pregnancy. This will help you to adjust to your new sex life in pregnancy.
What Will Your Sex Life Be Like in Different Pregnancy Trimesters?
Some women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more due to the hormonal changes in their body and their evolving figure as their child grows. Others find that their sex drive changes throughout different stages of their pregnancy.
- First Trimester
During the first 3 months, the symptoms of pregnancy could lower your sex drive. Frequent urges to use the bathroom, sore breasts, fatigue or nausea can make sex unappealing.
- Second Trimester
Your belly is growing but it is not yet at the point where it will get in the way during sex. The nausea and tenderness are usually more manageable which can also make sex more appealing. You may find that you have more desire for sex due to the increased blood flow to the waist and pelvic area. This may also make it easier to orgasm.
- Third Trimester
By the end of pregnancy, the focus on childbirth and your growing body may make sex unappealing once again. Any concerns you have about sex are normal. It is possible to be intimate without having sex if you are worried about the implcations.
More Things You Should Know
Can Sex During Pregnancy Harm the Baby or Cause a Miscarriage?
The amniotic fluid in the uterus and uterus muscle protects your baby so sexual activity should not cause the baby any harm. Some mom worry that sex could cause a miscarriage or issues for a developing baby, but usually miscarriages are actually associated with chromosomal abnormalities or issues as the baby develops. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable having sex during pregnancy with the worrythat how it will impact your child, then do what makes you feel comfortable.
What Sex Positions Can Be Used in Pregnancy?
Having sex could be uncomfortable or difficult as your body changes to accommodate your pregnancy. Many have found that different positions work better later in pregnancy including:
- Woman on top
- Both partners laying down, in spooning or face to face
- Rear entry
- Woman lying on her back near the end of the bed with her knees bent
Note: oral sex could let air blow into the vagina which can cause air bubbles going into the bloodstream then block a blood vessel. This could be fatal to you and your baby, but it is a very rare occurrence.
Here is a video sharing more information about sex during pregnancy: