Sex During Pregnancy - How and When Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?
Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?
As long as you are having a normal pregnancy, it is ok to have sex during pregnancy as often as you like.
During the first trimester, fatigue, breast tenderness and nausea may decrease your desire. If you feel like vomiting all the time, how can you really feel in the mood? If you can't bear the thought of your shirt touching your nipples, then you can't bear the thought of anyone else touching them either.
Some women find that pregnancy makes them want have sex more than they did before, and this may be due to the increased blood flow to your sexual organs, especially during the second trimester.
However, during the third trimester, weight gain, back pain, heartburn and the discomfort of being so large often dampens many women's desire to have sex during pregnancy.
There is an old wives tale that having sex during pregnancy in the final weeks will encourage labor. A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2006 debunks that myth and indicated that having sex during pregnancy in the final weeks does NOT induce labor.
Can sex cause a miscarriage?
Especially in the first trimester, when most miscarriages occur, many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage. But it just isn't so. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the unborn baby — not due to anything that you do or don't do.
Can sex during pregnancy harm my baby?
The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, which creates a cushion of fluid in the womb. Also, the mucous plug blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy, and there is the strong muscle of the uterus. The penis does not come into contact with the fetus while having sex during pregnancy.
And as for baby knowing what you are doing--she/he doesn't have a clue!
Are there any special positions to use when having sex during pregnancy?
The woman's comfort should be the most important guide on how you have sex during pregnancy. During the first trimester, the common missionary position is ok, if the woman is comfortable.
After the first trimester, you cannot lay on your back as it may be harmful to your child, either in bed, or in exercise or just laying around the house. The compression of certain veins can cut off essential blood flow.
So, during the second and third trimester, you may want to try lying sideways, or having the woman on the top, or the man at the back. Keep a sense of humor, and experiment with different positions when you're having sex during pregnancy. Some men find pregnant women more sexy and your partner may enjoy the variety.
As the pregnancy advances, you and your partner may wish to have sex in positions that don't put pressure on your abdomen, such as with you on top or lying side by side. If you have any concerns about having sex during pregnancy, talk with your doctor.
If you feel you don't want to have sex during pregnancy, share your concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.
What about oral sex during pregnancy?
If you have oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby. Otherwise, oral sex is fine.
Can orgasms trigger premature labor?
Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But the contractions caused by having sex during pregnancy are different from the contractions during labor. Research indicates that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't lead to premature labor or premature birth.
Are there times when sex during pregnancy should be avoided?
Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, if you have certain risks, it's wise not to have sex during pregnancy:
Preterm labor. Exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions — which could be worrisome if you're at risk of preterm labor.
Vaginal bleeding. Sex is not recommended if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Problems with the cervix. If your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence), sex may pose a risk of infection.
Problems with the placenta. If your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa), or is lying very low,sex during pregnancy could lead to bleeding and preterm labor.
Multiple babies. If you're carrying two or more babies, your doctor may advise you not to have sex late in pregnancy — although researchers have not identified any relationship between sex and preterm labor in twins.
You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
a history or threat of miscarriage
a history of premature delivery (you've delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs such as premature uterine contractions
unexplained discharge or cramping
leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
incompetent cervix, a condition where the cervix opens prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
if your water has broken
Sex During Pregnancy with a New Partner
Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. If you have a new sexual partner, you should use a condom when having sex during pregnancy.
How Soon after Delivery Can I Start Having Sex?
Regardless of if you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many women have episiotomies that also need to heal. The recommended waiting time is at least six weeks before resuming intercourse. This also allows time for your cervix to close.
What about herpes?
About 25 percent of adults in the United States are infected with incurable genital herpes infections. . Babies born to mothers who have an active genital herpes infection at or near the time of delivery can become infected. This can be serious and sometimes fatal for newborns.
Genital herpes infections are sexually transmitted diseases. Symptoms can include painful sores in the genital area, itching, painful urination, vaginal discharge and tender lumps in the groin. With the first episode, many people have a fever and general aches, like the flu.
Most people with herpes infection will have outbreaks of sores and symptoms from time to time. Some women have herpes only on the cervix. In this case, there may be few or no symptoms with an outbreak.
If you have had genital herpes and are considering pregnancy or are pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor. He or she may give you antiviral medicines so you will be less likely to have an outbreak of herpes at or near the time you have your baby.
If you do have an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of delivery, your doctor will want to deliver your baby by Cesarean section so your baby will be less likely to get herpes infection. Using cesarean section, the risk of giving herpes to your baby is small.
Let your doctor know if you or your partner has herpes. If you have herpes, the risk of spreading the infection to your baby is very small. Your doctor can tell you what to do to lower the risk even more.
If you do not have herpes but your partner does, do not have sex when your partner has a herpes sore. You also should use a condom during sex while you are pregnant. Talk to your partner about taking medicine for herpes. Do not have oral sex if your partner has cold sores.
What if I get herpes during pregnancy?
If you have your first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy, you should tell your doctor. Your doctor may want to treat you with antiviral medicine. The risk of your baby getting herpes is much higher if you have your first episode of genital herpes near the time of delivery.
It is important to avoid getting herpes during pregnancy. If your partner has a history of herpes and you do not have it, be sure to use condoms during sexual intercourse at all times during pregnancy. Your partner could pass the infection to you even if there are no painful sores. If there are painful sores, you must not have sex until the sores heal.
Where can I find more information on genital herpes infections?
Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians
ACOG
Nemours Foundation
Mayo Clinic Planning Your Pregnancy and BirthThird Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5. Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W., M.D., et al, Introduction.
