Contents:
- Medical Video: Can you have sex during pregnancy?
- Is sex during pregnancy really safe?
- Can sex during pregnancy cause miscarriage?
- Does sex during pregnancy endanger the baby?
- What is the best sex position during pregnancy?
- What about oral sex or anal sex?
- Do you need to use a condom?
- Can sex trigger premature labor?
- Are there times when sex should be avoided?
- What if I don't want to have sex during pregnancy?
- After the baby is born, when can I have sex again?
Medical Video: Can you have sex during pregnancy?
Having sex during pregnancy is probably the last thing on a woman's mind, especially when dealing with nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. However, some women also crave sex during pregnancy.
On the other hand, some men may think that pregnant women are sexier than non-pregnant women, but some men also are too afraid to hurt their babies or their partners who are pregnant if they have sex. To find out more about sex during pregnancy, let's see more below!
Is sex during pregnancy really safe?
This can be good news, it can also be bad news. "Sex during pregnancy is very safe for most women who have low-risk pregnancies," said Dayna Salasche, MD, a lecturer in obstetrics / gynecology at Northwestern Specialist for Women.
However, your emotions can also affect your sex drive. For example, concerns about how your pregnancy or baby will be affected by sexual activity may burden your mind.
Can sex during pregnancy cause miscarriage?
Although many couples are worried that sex during pregnancy will cause miscarriages, this is actually nothing to worry about. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus does not develop normally.
Does sex during pregnancy endanger the baby?
A developing baby is protected by amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the strong muscles of your own uterus. Sexual activity will not affect your baby.
What is the best sex position during pregnancy?
As long as you feel comfortable, the most sexual position can be done during pregnancy. During pregnancy, do various positional experiments to find out which is best for you. For example, instead of lying on your back, you might want to lie on your side, or position yourself above your partner. Let your creativity take over, as long as you keep feeling happy and comfortable in your mind.
What about oral sex or anal sex?
Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. If you receive oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Although rare, air blows may block blood vessels (air emboli) which can be a life-threatening condition for your baby.
Anal sex may be uncomfortable if you have hemorrhoids related to pregnancy. More alarming, if anal sex is followed by vaginal sex, because it allows the infectious bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.
Do you need to use a condom?
Exposure to sexually transmitted infections, aka sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy, will increase the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.
Avoid all forms of sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) if your partner has venereal disease. Use a condom if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship, and if you choose to have sex with a new partner during pregnancy.
Can sex trigger premature labor?
Orgasm, and prostaglandin in semen can cause uterine contractions. Most studies do not show that sex during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm labor or preterm birth.
Sex also does not trigger labor even if you are close to the due date. However, if you are at risk for premature labor, your doctor will immediately notify you to avoid sex.
Are there times when sex should be avoided?
Even though most women can safely have sex during pregnancy, sometimes it's also good to be careful. Your doctor may recommend avoiding sex if:
- You have vaginal bleeding that has no known cause
- Amniotic fluid ruptures
- The cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence)
- Your placenta is small or overall covering the opening of your cervix (placenta previa)
- You have a history of preterm labor or preterm birth
- You are pregnant with twins
What if I don't want to have sex during pregnancy?
That doesn't matter. Convey your wishes and concerns with your partner openly and lovingly. If sex is difficult, uninteresting, or makes you uncomfortable, try other types of relationships such as hugs, kisses, or massages.
After the baby is born, when can I have sex again?
This depends on whether you gave birth normally or by caesarean section. Consider waiting until the doctor allows, often this takes 4-6 weeks after giving birth. Wait until the cervix closes, postpartum bleeding stops, and the surgical wound or laser heals.
If you feel sick or tired to think about sex, you can maintain intimacy in other ways. Keep maintaining everyday relationships by phone or text message. Spend time together before your partner works, or before bed.
When you are ready to have sex again, do it slowly, and don't forget to use contraception until you are ready for your next pregnancy.
