Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Maria and Charles had to wait five years for a baby. Eventually Maria got pregnant and the couple is elated. Sex became an issue.  When Maria is in the mood, Charles wants to play safe. When Charles gets horny, Maria pleads her husband’s understanding to allow her be.  Reason? Don’t want to harm the baby.

For women who either get into an argument with their husbands whether it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy, or the frustration of rejection on either side, since the pregnant wife may be in the mood, and the husband is being careful. Whichever side you are, health experts provide answers to your anxiety over safety of sex during pregnancy.

It is OK to have sex if…

You can have sex as frequent as you desire so long your pregnancy is progressing normally. However, the reality is that you may not want to all the time. In the beginning, hormonal changes, tiredness, and nausea may remove the energy for sexual desire. As your pregnancy progresses into second trimester, blood flow into your sexual organs and breasts increases and may reawaken your desire for sex. By the third trimester, your surplus weight, lower back pain and other pregnancy signs are likely to once again erode the desire for sex.

Is miscarriage a possible risk?

It’s not surprising several couples are anxious that sex when pregnant will trigger a miscarriage, particular in the first three months. Health experts say sex shouldn’t be a concern since early miscarriages are normally linked to chromosomal irregularities or other problems in the developing baby; and not linked to what you do or don’t do.

Is sex harmful to the baby?

It’s unlikely your partner’s penis will touch the baby. This is because the baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous lump that blocks the cervix during the course of your pregnancy.

Are there any risky sexual positions to avoid during pregnancy?

It’s your prerogative to experiment with your partner the most relaxed position as the pregnancy progresses. The only problem is to avoid lying flat on your back during sex, since you may feel nauseous or dizzy if your uterus compresses the veins in the back of your abdomen.

Is oral sex off limit?

If you’re into oral sex, be certain your partner doesn’t blow air into your vagina. There’s the possibility a burst of air may block a blood vessel which may be deadly for you and the baby. This is seldom though.

Is premature labor caused by orgasms?

True, orgasms can cause uterine contractions, but they are not the same as the contractions you feel during labor. Research finding shows that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms don’t trigger premature labor or premature birth.

Should sex be avoided at certain times?

There should be caution at certain times, though many women can have sex safely throughout pregnancy:

·        Sex is a no go since exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions particularly if you’re at risk of preterm labor.

·         Sex is a no go if you have mysterious vaginal bleeding.

·         Sex may be risky if your cervix begins to open prematurely.

·        Sex could lead to bleeding and preterm labor if your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening.

·         Sex is a no go if you’re carrying two or more babies

Is it okay for my partner to use a condom?

Contact with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) during pregnancy raises the risk of infections that can disturb your pregnancy and your baby's health. It’s more important to use a condom during sex if you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy.

If I don’t want to have sex, what then?

It’s fine. Sex is not the only way to have an intimate relationship. Nurture a loving relationship by sharing your needs and worries with your partner in an open and affectionate way. If sex is uncomfortable, unpleasant or risky to your pregnancy, alternatives include kissing, massaging, or hugging.

How soon to have sex after birth of baby?

Irrespective of your type of birth – vaginal or C-section, your body needs time to heal. Health experts recommend a wait of six weeks before recommitting to sex. The hiatus period gives your cervix time to close and any tears or episiotomy to heal. If too early, for instance in an episiotomy, the penis can rupture the stitched area leaving you with a gaping hole

But if sex is the last thing on your mind due to exhaustion, soreness, you can continue intimacy in other ways as suggested above, including exchanging loving phone calls. When the time comes to have sex, take it easy, take it slow, and use a reliable method of contraception.

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