Sex during
pregnancy
As
long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you
like. It’s 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 trimester, 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 labour?
Orgasms can
cause uterine contractions.
But these
contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labour.
If you have
a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't seem to
increase the risk of premature labour or premature birth.
Are there
times when sex should be avoided?
- You
are at a risk of premature labour
- 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
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