Is it Safe to have Intercourse during Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is an amazing experience for most women but it is also a time when the expectant mother is assailed with innumerable doubts about the well-being of her unborn child. One of the most common of these questions is whether or not it is safe for her to have intercourse during pregnancy. While there are no clear answers to this one, a woman should be aware of various factors so as to be able to make the right decision.

Listen to your body

In a normal pregnancy, sex is not dangerous to a woman or her unborn child. Having said that, it is important to be guided by what your body is telling you. In the first three months of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations may leave you feeling too nauseous and fatigued to desire sex. In the second trimester however many women experienced a renewed interest in sex, most probably because of increased blood flow to the sexual organs and breasts. In the last three months again backache, weight gain and other symptoms may put you off sex.

Don’t worry about the baby

Most women are afraid of having a sexual intercourse, especially during the first trimester, due to fears that the intense movements may cause a miscarriage. If your pregnancy is proceeding as it should, this should not be a cause for concern since early miscarriages are caused more by chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing fetus and rarely by what the mother did or did not do. Moreover your growing baby is cushioned by the amniotic fluid in your uterus so that strong movements are unlikely to be felt by your baby. The mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout the greater part of the pregnancy functions as yet another protecting factor for the unborn baby.

What about orgasms

A woman can experience an orgasm with or without an intercourse. Even though female orgasms produce contractions in the uterus, these are different from the contractions that occur during labor. So if your pregnancy is proceeding without complications, an orgasm is unlikely to trigger premature labor or lead to premature birth.

Take precautions

While vaginal intercourse poses little danger during a pregnancy, deep penetration should be only at the discretion and comfort of the mother. Also don’t hesitate to make your concerns known if you are not willing to try other kinds of intercourse. Oral sex is generally safe but if you are receiving it, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. This is because in rare instances a burst of air may block a blood vessel leading to a condition known as air embolism which may even be fatal for you and the baby. Besides this, take care that your partner does not insert water or any other foreign object into your vagina during sex. As a rule, pregnant women are advised against engaging in anal intercourse since this may cause infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina and thus increase the risk of urinary tract infections or vaginal infections. And pregnancy is hardly the right time to invite any sort of infection. Furthermore, anal sex may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. Finally, douching should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases during your pregnancy.

This is because such diseases increase the risk of infections which can in turn affect your health or even prove dangerous for your unborn child. So if you suspect your partner is suffering from any sexually transmitted disease or if either of you are not in a mutually exclusive sexual relationship, it is better to be safe and use a condom when having intercourse. The same also applies in case you or your partner have been exposed to or are suffering from HIV.

While sexual intercourse does not pose danger during a normal pregnancy, refrain from having sex in the following conditions:

• When your healthcare provider advises you against it.
• When you are at risk from preterm labor. In such a situation, orgasmic contractions or even breast stimulation may lead to pre-term contractions and increase the danger of premature birth.
• When your cervix begins to open prematurely. This situation is known as cervical incompetence and sexual intercourse at a time like this may again raise the chances of premature labor and birth.
• When you start leaking amniotic liquid. This is generally the result of the rupturing of the amniotic sac and intercourse during this stage may prove harmful for the unborn baby while increasing the chances of premature labor.
• When your placenta party or completely covers the cervical opening. This condition is known as placenta previa and sexual intercourse in this situation may lead to antepartum hemorrhage or vaginal bleeding.

Be creative

As a fully pregnant woman it may be difficult for you to be physically comfortable while having sex. Explore other sexual positions like lying side by side, woman on top and on hands and knees. Keep a positive attitude and use empathy, creativity as well as humor to enjoy physical intimacy with your partner. In fact intercourse need not be the only way to enjoy a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. Try cuddling, kissing and massages to take sensual pleasure in each other.

Finally have the courage to say no if you find sex unappealing, uncomfortable or off-limits, don’t hesitate to make your feelings known to your partner. While sex should be mutually satisfying at all times, during a pregnancy it is especially important for a woman to be able to say no if she does not feel like it. Don’t feel pressured to give in to your partner’s demands for sex; rather share your needs and concerns in an open and loving way.

During pregnancy, a woman goes through a roller-coaster of emotional and physical sensations. Fluctuations in hormonal level may leave you feeling tired and nauseous one day but also happy and erotic soon after. While sex is a wonderful way to remain connected to your partner during pregnancy, listen to what your body and feelings may be telling you and decide accordingly.