As her belly starts to grow bigger, a woman may discover that certain positions are more comfortable for her....
Talking openly about sex can help both partners to enjoy sex throughout the pregnancy.
In this article, we examine safety issues and risks and look at tips for sex during pregnancy.
We also discuss when to avoid sex, and how sex may change during the second and third trimesters.
Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?
Sex will not harm the baby at any stage during a typical, uncomplicated pregnancy. The baby is protected by strong uterus muscles, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug that develops around the cervix.Some people believe that sexual activity or orgasms might damage the baby, increase the chances of a miscarriage, or induce early labor. However, in a healthy pregnancy, none of these are true.
Can sex trigger labor?
Many studies have concluded that vaginal sex during pregnancy has no links an increased risk of preterm labor or premature birth.
However, if a doctor considers someone to be at high risk, they may recommend that the person avoids sexual intercourse during the pregnancy or just in the later stages.
It is possible that an orgasm or sexual penetration could induce Braxton-Hicks contractions late in pregnancy. Braxton-Hicks are mild contractions that some women experience towards the end of their pregnancy.
However, these contractions do not indicate or induce labor so should not be a cause for concern.
Best positions
During the later stages of pregnancy, people should choose positions that do not put pressure on the pregnant belly, such as the missionary position.
If a woman lies on her back, the weight of the baby might put extra pressure on her internal organs or major arteries.
A pregnant woman might feel more comfortable in positions where she can control the depth and speed of penetration.
Comfortable positions may include the pregnant woman being on top of her partner, side-by-side spooning, or sitting at the edge of the bed.
Oral and anal sex
Oral sex is perfectly safe to continue throughout pregnancy. However, a partner should avoid blowing air into the pregnant woman's vagina as this can cause an air embolism, where an air bubble blocks a blood vessel.
Though rare, an air embolism could be life-threatening for both the woman and the baby.
Anal sex will not harm the baby, but it may be uncomfortable if a person has pregnancy-related hemorrhoids.
People should avoid anal sex followed by vaginal sex, as this could cause bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina resulting in infection.
When to avoid sex
A midwife or doctor may advise a woman to avoid sexual intercourse during her pregnancy if she has experienced the following:- problems with the cervix that could increase the likelihood of miscarriage or going into early labor
- pregnancy with twins
- placenta previa, where the placenta partially or entirely covers the entrance to the cervix
- cervical incompetence, where the cervix opens prematurely
- a history of going into premature labor
- substantial blood loss or unexplained vaginal bleeding
- leaking amniotic fluid
- the waters have broken, which may increase the risk of infection
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