When you think of conceiving a child, you might have obtained information regarding sexual intercourse before child-bearing; having an intercourse before pregnancy (to conceive) or having intercourse after pregnancy, which becomes less active once a baby becomes a part of the family according to most couples.
However due to some people’s cultural background of not considering sex when pregnant, topics on sexual intercourse at the time of pregnancy is less probed. Like the other soon-to-be parents, you might have plenty of questions regarding safety and the normal approach to sex for couples.
To answer the question on what is normal, it can vary from person to person, however changes in sexual activity can be expected. To be able to have a safe and satisfying sexual relationship at the time of pregnancy, open communication is very important.
1. Is sex advisable even when pregnant?
In normal pregnancy, sex throughout the conceiving period is considered to be safe.
Pregnancy is considered normal when the expecting mother is not at risk for having pre-term labor or miscarriage. If you are unsure of your condition, you should seek consultancy from your nurse-midwife, physician, or pregnancy healthcare professionals.
Just because sexual intercourse is thought to be safe at the period of pregnancy, does not necessarily mean that you have to do it. Most pregnant women observe that their interest in sex changes at some point during in their pregnancy period. Women experience discomfort as well in having sex with their partners when they start to gain more weight.
When it comes to the sexual aspect of you relationship with your husband, you should be open to listen to each other’s opinion. You should consider finding other ways of making up for the big changes in sexual activity. You can opt for other intimate activities like caressing, kissing, and other gestures, which can also give satisfaction to your sexual desire. Trying different positions that will be very comfortable for your condition should be explored as well during sex.
When women become excited with their new role as a mother and become occupied with thoughts on her delivery, their motivation and desire for sexual intercourse is gone.
2. Can sex during pregnancy lead to miscarriage?
Most people are anxious of having sex at the time of pregnancy thinking that it would result to miscarriage particularly during the first 3 months. However women should be aware that early miscarriage happens because of chromosomal anomalies or developmental problems and not about the things you engage in doing and not doing
3. Can sex during pregnancy cause harm to the baby?
Sexual intercourse will not have any effect on your baby because in most of the stages of pregnancy, your uterus contains an amniotic fluid and there is a mucus plug, which closes the cervix to provide your unborn child protection.
4. What sexual positions may be advisable during pregnancy?
Any type of sexual position at the time of pregnancy is OK. What is important is that you are comfortable with your desired sexual position. As your child-bearing continuously progresses, you may want to find out what would be the best position for you. You may try sideways position, on top, or facing your husband rather than just going for the normal lying back position. Allow yourself to explore, keeping in mind the aim of comfort and pleasure.
5. How about anal and oral sex?
Having oral at the time of pregnancy is safe. But you should be warned of not allowing air to get inside your vagina by informing your partner to refrain from blowing air into it. On rare occasions, air embolism may obstruct the blood vessel, which could threaten your unborn baby and your self.
Anal sex at the time of pregnancy is prohibited. When you have hemorrhoids due to pregnancy, it can cause great discomfort on you. Introducing bacteria that can cause the spread of infection from your rectum to your vagina can happen when anal sex is done.
6. Is it necessary to use condoms?
Being exposed to infections that are sexually transmitted at the time of pregnancy heightens the susceptibility of infections, which will endanger the health of your baby and pose problem to your pregnancy. Using condom is necessary when your partner is infected with sexually transmitted disease, if you will have sexual intercourse with another partner, or if you are in a polygamous type of relationship.
7. Can orgasm trigger a premature labor?
The orgasm during sexual intercourse can lead to the contractions of your uterine but these are not similar to the contractions experienced during labor. Orgasms either with intercourse or without an intercourse do not lead to premature birth or premature labor if your pregnancy is normal. Similarly, having sexual intercourse even when the due date of your gestation is very near will not trigger labor.
8. When should sex be avoided?
Taking precautions on having sex when pregnant is still better even though sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy is safe. Your physician may advise you to refrain from sex at the time of pregnancy if:
You are likely to have premature labor
You are suffering from inexplicable vaginal bleeding
Your amniotic fluid is leaking
You are experiencing premature opening of cervix or cervical incompetence condition.
Your placenta completely or partially covers the opening of your cervix or you have placenta pervia condition
What if I am not interested in sex?
It is OK if you are not interested in having sex. Relationship is not just about sexual intercourse. You should open up with your better half regarding your concerns and needs in a way that will make him understand your condition. If having sexual intercourse is off-limits or uninteresting, you can opt for massage, cuddling, or kissing.
9. Is sex right after pregnancy advisable?
After giving birth either by normal delivery or through C-section, enough time is needed to let your body heal completely. Physicians recommend giving an allowance of 4-6 weeks first before engaging into sexual intercourse. By doing this, your cervix will be given enough time to close while repaired episiotomy or any tears are allowed to fully heal.
If you feel that you have no energy for a sexual intercourse because of exhaustion or soreness, there are many ways of maintaining intimacy in your relationship. You can keep in touch with your husband by email messages, text messages, or phone calls. Allow each other to have a serene moment before starting your day or before going to sleep. When you feel that you can start engaging in sexual intercourse with your husband you should maintain precautions. You can use reliable contraception method to avoid having successive pregnancy.