Sex During Pregnancy

Many parents worry that sex during pregnancy is unsafe. You may also have other concerns, such as whether your partner will still find your swollen body attractive. These things, along with changes to sex drive all affect a woman’s feelings about sex during pregnancy.

If you suffer from any of these uncertainties, you will be relieved to learn in most cases they are unfounded.

Sex during pregnancy will not directly harm your baby. An amniotic sac and the muscles of your uterus protect your baby. Additionally, a thick mucus plug seals the cervix. This plug protects the baby from infections and assures the penis never comes into contact with the fetus.

In most cases, sex during pregnancy will not hurt the baby; however, there are some exceptions. If you are experiencing any of the following, you will want to discuss whether you can have sex with your partner.

• High Risk Pregnancy
• A history of pre-term labor or miscarriages
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding or cramping
• Placenta previa
• Multiple fetuses
• An incompetent cervix

Orgasms won't in and of themselves initiate labor or a miscarriage. You will frequently feel cramping following sex and an orgasm, but this will feel different than the contractions associated with labor. If your medical professional indicates your pregnancy is at low risk for complications, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy orgasms during sex while you are pregnant.

Sometimes your OB provider might suggest that you stop having intercourse during the final weeks of your pregnancy. Many medical professionals will do so as a safety precaution, because semen contains prostiglandins that can stimulate contractions and sometimes initiate labor. This is one reason it is important to discuss your sexual activity with your health care provider.

As your bump, or abdomen, grows larger and firmer, you may find getting into a comfortable position for sex more difficult. In addition, lying on your back is apt to constrict the blood flow to the uterus. These positions may work as mood savers for your romantic evenings with your partner:

• If you take the top position, you ensure no weight is put on your bump while simultaneously giving you the most control of how deeply your partner penetrates you.
• Lying on your side with your partner spooning you will allow for shallow thrusts while keeping pressure off your abdomen.
• Lay on the edge of the bed while your partner stands or kneels on the floor in front of you to prevent your rounded stomach from becoming an obstacle.
• Oral sex is safe for both you and your partner, provided you are in a monogamous, HIV-free relationship or you use a dental dam.

In most cases, your partner will find you just as desirable. However, it is possible he may not want sex during pregnancy as often because of his own concerns, such as:

• Concerns about the safety and health of you and the baby;
• Apprehensions about parenthood, such as money concerns, responsibility, etc.;
• Concerns about your comfort;
• Self-consciousness about intercourse in the presence of the unborn baby.

You can alleviate many of his concerns about sex during pregnancy with open and direct communication and by keeping him involved with your pregnancy. You can also invite him to meet with your health care provider directly to discuss any concerns.

Enjoy an active love life while you are pregnant. Enjoy exploring the changes to your body and how they make you feel, and think about the freedom from birth control you have. When the baby arrives, it may be several weeks before you feel recovered and rested enough to reengage in sexual activity, so take advantage of this newborn-free time while you can.

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