Sex or intercourse during pregnancy is safe

Generally people discuss a lot of things related to pregnancy but intercourse or  sex during pregnancy seldom receives any attention. May be because our society disassociates motherhood from pregnancy we talk less about it. But in reality intercourse or sex during pregnancy is absolutely safe and is a great way to enjoy togetherness before parenthood steals your time.

Since intercourse or sex during pregnancy is a less talked about topic, would-be-parents have lot of queries about the safety of it.

Before going further one thing should be cleared that sex life during pregnancy will be different than before and it is therefore pertinent that you be prepared for the changes. It is still better to talk it out so that sex during pregnancy becomes enjoyable and safe too.

Let us answer some common questions about sex during pregnancy.

Sex during pregnancy

Is intercourse or sex safe during pregnancy?

Sex during pregnancy is safe if you are having a normal pregnancy. By normal pregnancy doctors mean that pregnancy which has low risk for complications like miscarriage or pre-term labor. You can ask your doctor about your condition to know whether you fall in this category. By adopting certain precautions you can have sex and not harm your baby too.

Knowing that sex is safe during pregnancy does not mean that you will want it as there are other issues involved.

Is it normal to feel change in sex drive during pregnancy?

Many women feel a change in their sex drives during pregnancy. Some women may feel increased drive and want to have sex more often. They are less burdened by thoughts of contraception and getting pregnant and thus enjoy sex. Yet there are women who find symptoms like nausea, vomiting make sex life less attractive. Some women may feel awkward to have sex with the increased tummy late in the pregnancy. Others are pre-occupied by thoughts of the baby.

Some men may feel their partners equally attractive and may want to have more sex. Some couples are too bothered by their worries about the baby’s safety and abstain from sex.

Whatever is the case, open communication and mutual consent is the key to happy sex life during pregnancy.

This brings us to the most important aspect of sex during pregnancy.

Is intercourse or sex during pregnancy is safe for the baby?

Normally babies are not harmed by their parents having sex. The baby is protected by the amniotic sac and the muscles of the uterus. But under certain conditions the doctor may advice you to not have intercourse.

Can having sex cause miscarriage or contractions?

Under normal circumstances there is no link between sex and miscarriage. The contractions of labor are quite different than the contractions of orgasm. You should check with your doctor whether your pregnancy is a low risk one.

Some doctors advice to stop sex in the final phase of pregnancy.

As we have observed before, sex during pregnancy should be different and there are some precautions that you must take.

Precautions for intercourse or sex during pregnancy

• Intercourse or Sex during pregnancy should be gentle.
• You may have to try out different positions to protect the baby and feel safe also.
• You should maintain proper hygiene to avoid getting infections.
• In case you indulge in oral sex your partner should not blow air into the vagina.
• You should not have sex with a partner who has sexually transmitted disease like herpes or HIV. If you become infected the disease may get transmitted to your baby which could be fatal.
• In case you have a history of miscarriage or threat of it, or a history of pre-term labor, vaginal bleeding or discharge, leakage of amniotic fluid and placenta previa and incompetent cervix you should not indulge in intercourse.
• If after having intercourse you experience unusual symptoms like pain, bleeding or discharge you should contact your doctor.

Intercorse or Sex during pregnancy can be a lovely experience to feel the warmth of your relationship and also to plan for the baby. By taking necessary precautions you can make it enjoyable and memorable for both of you.