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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Article Home Sexology Sex during pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy

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As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. Its better to avoid it in first 3 months and last 3 months. There is an increase in vaginal lubrication; engorgement of the genital area helps some people become orgasmic for the first time or multi-orgasmic. Unexplained vaginal bleeding is an absolute contraindications for sex during pregnancy.

Is it ok to have sex during pregnancy?

As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like.

But you may not always want to.


  • At first trimister, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire
  • During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex
  • During the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex

 

But there are many reasons why sex during pregnancy can be more enjoyable, even if you are doing it less.


There is an increase in vaginal lubrication; engorgement of the genital area helps some people become orgasmic for the first time or multi-orgasmic

Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

Most of the early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby.


  • But it is always better to avoid sex during first trimester (12 weeks), though the chances of miscarriage are less, few cases of have been reported
  • It’s better to avoid sex in last trimester (last 3 months) as rupture of bag of membranes can cause premature labor

Does sex during pregnancy harm the baby?

Your developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy.


Sexual activity won't affect your baby.

What are the best sexual positions during pregnancy?

  • As long as you're comfortable, most sexual positions are OK during pregnancy
  • As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find what works best
  • Rather than lying on your back, you might want to lie next to your partner sideways or position yourself on top of your partner or in front of your partner

Safe sexual positions in pregnancy

  • Woman on top- this allows you to control the depth of penetration, and the majority of the movement
  • Spooning- usually its best if the man is behind allowing his penis to go between your thighs and enter you from behind
  • Hands & Knees- this is a very good position for pregnant women again because of the lack of direct pressure on the abdomen

What about oral and anal sex?

  • Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. There's a caveat, however
  • If you receive oral sex, make sure your partner doesn't 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

Generally, anal sex isn't recommended during pregnancy.


Anal sex may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids.


More concerning, anal sex may allow infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.

Should my partner use a condom?

Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.


Use a condom if your partner has a sexually transmitted disease, you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship or you choose to have sex with a new partner during pregnancy.

Can orgasms trigger premature labor?

Orgasms can cause uterine contractions.


But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labor.

 

If you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't seem to increase the risk of premature labor or premature birth.

Are there times when sex should be avoided?

  • You are at a risk of premature labor
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Leaking amniotic fluid
  • Cervical incompetence
  • Placenta previa
  • Active sexually transmitted disease of partner

After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?

  • Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal
  • It’s recommended to wait for four to six weeks before resuming intercourse
  • This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal