Pregnancy and Sex

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Sex is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy if there is a normal pregnancy but the postures of the intercourse must be carefully chosen so that it must not harm the child or the women.

The desire of women to indulge in sex during pregnancy can vary month-to-month or trimester-to-trimester. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting are likely to put a damper on sexual activity during the first trimester. Many women do regain energy and are found to be aroused due to physical changes such as increased vaginal lubrication and blood flow to the pelvic region by the second trimester. By the third trimester, fatigue, body pain and aches are likely to reduce the desire to be a part of a sexual activity.

The male counterpart is also likely to experience an increase or decrease in his sexual drive. He may be aroused by the full breasts and round belly of the women and may be tempted to try new sex positions and lost fears about contraception. He may have a decrease in his sexual desire due to the fact that is may prove to be discomforting to the female counterpart in addition to fears of harming the fetus.

Talk With Your Partner

Talk with your partner about the comfort level about sexual intercourse and the positions you or he would like to indulge in.

In addition, it is safe for a pregnant woman to reach orgasm.

When Sex during Pregnancy is not safe?

Sexual intercourse may not be a suitable option in the following cases:

If your doctor has advised you against it.
If you are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
If there is a leakage of the amniotic fluid, that covers the Baby.
Cramping or a situation of Placenta previa.
Incompetent cervix in the Body.
If you notice any abnormal symptoms after intercourse, do not waste time to consult your doctor.

How Soon Can I Have Sex after the Baby is born?

There is no time frame for sex post-pregnancy and medically it is safe to have sex after 6 weeks from the date of delivery. But medical opinion must be taken and to be on the safer side, sex must not be done till the reports of the postpartum checkup arrive.
Is oral sex safe during pregnancy?

Yes, oral sex does not harm you or your child provided both you and your partner are HIV-negative. This can be a good substitute in case the parents of the child do not want to undergo sexual intercourse.
Can sex harm my baby during pregnancy?
No, not in the direct sense. Your child is totally protected by a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus, surrounding fluid and the muscles of the uterus. There is also a thick mucus plug that helps in sealing the cervix and thereby guarding against infection. The penis during the sexual intercourse does not come into contact with the fetus.