Sex during pregnancy, is it safe for both mother and fetus?

Having sex while pregnant is probably the last thing on a woman's mind, especially when dealing with extreme nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. However, some women also crave sex during pregnancy.

On the other hand, some men may think that pregnant women are sexier than those who are not pregnant, but there are also some men who are too afraid of hurting their baby or their pregnant partner if they have sex. To find out more about sex during pregnancy, let's have a look below!

Is sex during pregnancy really safe?

This could be good news, it could be bad news. "Sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for most women who have low-risk pregnancies," says Dayna Salasche, MD, a professor of obstetrics / gynecology at Northwestern Specialist for Women.

However, your emotions can also affect your sex drive. For example, worrying about how your pregnancy or baby will be affected by sexual activity might weigh on your mind.

Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

Although many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, there is really nothing to worry about. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing normally.

Does sex during pregnancy harm the baby?

The developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the strong muscles of your uterus itself. Sexual activity will not affect your baby.

What is the best sex position during pregnancy?

As long as you are comfortable, the most sexual positions are okay to do during pregnancy. During pregnancy, experiment with various positions to see which one is best for you. For example, instead of lying on your back, you may want to lie on your side, or position yourself on top of your partner. Let your creativity take over, as long as you keep happy and comfortable feelings in mind.

What about oral sex or anal sex?

Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. If you are receiving oral sex, make sure your partner is not blowing air into your vagina. Although they are rare, blowing air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) which can be a life-threatening condition for your baby.

Anal sex may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. It is even more concerning, if anal sex is followed by vaginal sex, because it allows the infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.

Do you need to use condoms?

Exposure to sexually transmitted infections, aka venereal diseases during pregnancy, will increase the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby.

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, as well as prostaglandins in semen can cause uterine contractions. Most studies have not shown that sex during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm labor or preterm birth.

Sex also doesn't trigger labor even if you are close to your due date. However, if you are at risk for preterm labor, then your doctor will surely tell you right away to avoid sex.

Are there times when sex should be avoided?

Although most women can safely have sex during pregnancy, sometimes it's good to be careful. Your doctor may recommend avoiding sex if:

• You have vaginal bleeding of no known cause
• The amniotic fluid breaks
• The cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence)
• Your placenta is partially or completely covering the opening of your cervix (placenta previa)
• You have a history of preterm labor or premature birth
• You are pregnant with twins

What if I don't want to have sex while pregnant?

It doesn't matter. Share your wants and concerns with your partner openly and lovingly. If sex is difficult, unattractive, or makes you uncomfortable, try a different type of relationship such as a hug, kiss, or massage.

After the baby is born, when can I have sex again?

This depends on whether you gave birth vaginally or by caesarean section. Consider waiting until the doctor allows it, this often takes 4-6 weeks after delivery. Wait for the cervix to close, the puerperal bleeding stops, and the surgical or laser wound heals.

If you feel sick or tired to think about sex, you can maintain intimacy in other ways. Maintain daily contact by phone or text message. Spend time together before your partner works, or before bed.

When you are ready to have sex again, take it slow, and don't forget to use contraception until you are ready for your next pregnancy.

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