Many women wonder if its safe to have sex while pregnant, or even if they should be having sex at all. All women are different, and women may find that even individual pregnancies leave their body feeling and responding differently.
If you aren’t overcome with nausea and fatigue and instead find yourself craving some intimate time with your partner, the good news is that as long as you are having a healthy pregnancy you can have sex while pregnant. As your third trimester comes around you may have to get a little creative with how you and your partner have intercourse, but it can be part of the fun.
Can I Have Sex While Pregnant? Answer: Yes, if you are having a normal, healthy pregnancy
While there are a few things you and your partner should be mindful of, overall as long as you are comfortable intercourse is safe and should remain an enjoyable part of your relationship. Once you have given birth it will take time to recover, and with a new little one sex may be the furthest thing from either of your minds so it might be a good time to get in a little lovin’! Having sex while pregnant can be enjoyable and a little awkward so keep a sense of humor along with your creativity.
When is sex during pregnancy not safe?
Sometimes you need to exercise caution regarding sex, no matter how much your fluctuating hormones may be demanding it. If you have placenta previa, where your placenta covers part or all of your cervix, sex while pregnant is not safe. When you have placenta pervia if the penis comes into contact with the cervix or if you have an orgasm the placenta can be traumatized and cause bleeding. The bleeding can be severe enough to cause severe complications with your pregnancy.
You should also avoid sex while pregnant if you have vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge or if your water has broken. Once your waters break your baby is not protected against infection. If you are having preterm labor or have had it in the last few weeks you don’t want to be stimulating anything with orgasms. If you have cervical insufficiency, this is a medical condition in which a pregnant woman’s cervix begins to dilate (widen) and efface (thin) before her pregnancy has reached full term, you should also avoid having sex.
If you have any concerns or questions your doctor can address them. If you are an at risk pregnancy, your health care provider will advise you against intercourse if they feel it is detrimental to yours or your baby’s health.
I Feel Great, My Doctor Said It’s OK, But My Partner Is Uncomfortable
You’re not alone. Many men feel uncomfortable having sex with their partner when she is in the later stages of pregnancy. You can help him to feel more at ease having sex with you by explaining a few things. Most commonly, men feel awkward about hurting the baby. With a little reassurance and explanations your partner should be fine to continue having sex. In other circumstances, much more rare, your partner may feel uncomfortable with your transition from sexual partner to mother figure. If your husband or partner is feeling uncomfortable with having sex with you because you are pregnant, counseling can help.
Explain to your partner that the baby is well protected, its surrounded and cushioned by amniotic fluid and further protected by your uterus and muscle layer. There is also a mucus plug inside your cervix which guards your baby against infection – he can rest assured none of the semen he ejaculates is going to join your infant in the amniotic sac. Once your partner overcomes his initial concerns, you will find that he is keen to have sex while pregnant.
A Caution Against STD’s
Once you are pregnant the likelihood of you conceiving again is very slim; superfetation (a pregnant woman releases an egg a few weeks into her pregnancy which is fertilized again) can occur but it is extremely rare. Many people relax once they are pregnant – mission accomplished right? What you shouldn’t relax about is sexually transmitted infections. If you or your partner is having sex with other people or your partner already has an STD then you should still be using a barrier method of protection. This will protect you and your baby against sexually transmitted disease.
What about Oral Sex While Pregnant?
If your partner has a cold sore then definitely not! Genital or oral herpes can be passed on to an infant in the birthing process, and you should not engage in sexual activity if there is a risk you could contract herpes. Talk to your doctor about options and advice on the best way to make sure that everyone is protected and still happy in their relationship.
Men should also avoid blowing air into the vagina during oral sex on a pregnant woman. You can develop an air embolus which can travel to your lung and have potentially fatal consequences.
How Are We Going To Do This?
During the first and second trimesters, sex while pregnant can be accomplished fairly easily. As your belly grows, a little more creativity is required. Lying flat on your back can be very uncomfortable during pregnancy, not to mention cause dizziness through the weight of your uterus pressing on your blood vessels and a potential danger to your infant. Here’s a list of the most popular positions as recommended by pregnant ladies for having sex while pregnant.
- Spoon – lie on your side curled in a “c” and let your husband enter from behind. C is for cozy!
- Side by Side – face each other and let him slip a leg over yours and enter you from an angle. Keeps his weight off you, and you aren’t doing all the work when you are on top.
- You On Top – (cowgirl) A favorite with many pregnant mom’s as you control the pace, you keep his weight off you and you get a little extra exercise!
- You On Top Facing Backwards – (reverse cowgirl) If dad to be has a belly as well this one can be a lot more comfortable as well as reducing that mood killer belly slapping.
- On The Edge Of The Bed – Lie on the edge of the bed with your feet on the floor, your partner can bend over you and thrust in.
- On All Fours – (doggy style) and your partner enters you from behind. It can be easy to get carried away with this one so make sure everyone is comfortable.
- On The Couch – If you sit on top and let him pull you on to his lap he can hold onto your hips and thrust fairly easily. Make sure the other kids are in bed and the front door is locked…
- In The Shower – Maybe because we are more relaxed or everything is a bit more slippery shower sex is highly recommended by some expectant moms. Do be careful not to slip!!!
Don’t be shy to talk about it. Use loads of pillows to support your belly and find something that works for you and your partner. If you have questions address them to your health care professional – believe me they have heard almost everything before and will give you frank and honest answers about sex while pregnant.
Is Sex While Pregnant Going To Bring On Labor?
This is a question which concerns many mom’s, but there is no scientific research which backs up the claim that having sex brings on labor. Orgasms and nipple stimulation can bring on mild uterine contractions, but they aren’t enough to kick start your labor and the birth of your child. Some women swear by it, we say the baby will come when its ready.
Listen to your body, be mindful of your belly and position and remember that intimacy comes in all sorts of ways. If you are cautioned not to have sex express your love in other ways. While you’re pregnant be creative and loving, it may be the last chance you get for a while once your little one is here and you’re recovering from the birth!
