Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy
The short answer: yes. However, its always a good idea to get the green light from your practitioner first, just to ensure you dont have any complications.
Another reason to discuss sex with your practitioner is if you have a history of miscarriage or are at a higher risk for one. If that’s the case, they may suggest avoiding sex for the first few months.
Although the amniotic sac protects your baby from infectious organisms, sexually transmitted infections remain a significant health risk during pregnancy. There are some STIs that can be dangerous for babies, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, so if you think youre at risk, talk to your practitioner about getting tested. Make sure any sex toys are cleaned well with soap and water before you hop into bed, too.
This goes for any new partners as well. Its recommended that you use condoms or dental dams during pregnancy if youre not in a mutually monogamous relationship.
Avoid Missionary Sex Position During Pregnancy
Sex is safe during pregnancy although you may need to take certain precautions.
Senior Midwifery Officer at the Tema Health Centre, Ruby Naa Ago Larbi Mensah AnsahTagoe, has warned pregnant women against missionary sex positions.
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According to her, missionary style during sex is not advisable for pregnant women, because the child would be deprived of oxygen.
She made this revelation while speaking in an interview with GTVs Breakfast Show.
Mrs Ansah-Tagoe noted that the missionary style is not encouraged due to the health risk of the unborn child.
She said, when you lay at your back, you deprive the baby of oxygen as the oxygen is zero no matter what stage of pregnancy else you are indirectly killing your baby.
She described some sex positions that can be done at every level of pregnancy.
The first trimester, we have the scissors, that is when the woman would lie down on her side and the man lays down as well, and they would have sex, meeting one way. There are other styles like at the edge, leapfrog, sit scissors amongst others.
The second trimester again shows the tummy of the woman, and the recommended sex positions are the cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, spoon, and doggy, amongst others, and it is very advisable for the lady to be on top every time.
She concluded by advising women whose husbands are not around to take a walk and drink a lot of coconut water.
Here are all the safety precautions you need to take during pregnancy sex:
Can I Use Sex Toys During Pregnancy
Its safe to use sex toys during pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has told you not to. If you have been advised not to have sex, its best to avoid sex toys too.
Its important to keep any sex toys clean because this will protect you against vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. This is important because an untreated vaginal infection may increase the risk of premature birth.
Try to:
- clean sex toys with warm, soapy water after every use
- rinse and dry them thoroughly
- store them in a clean, dry place
Its also best to avoid sharing sex toys with any partners. If you do, use a condom for each partner or between penetration of different body openings. This will also protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
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Can I Get Pregnant Again If I Am Breastfeeding
Women who breastfeed have a delay in ovulation — when an egg is released from the ovary — and menstruation. But ovulation will happen before you start having periods again. So you can still get pregnant during this time. Follow your health care provider’s recommendations on birth control.
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Engaging In Sex After Birth
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What Are The Benefits Of Having Sex While Pregnant
Sex during a low-risk pregnancy can have mental, emotional, and health benefits for expectant parents. Benefits include:
- Bonding with your partner
- Better moods from endorphins released during sex
- Stronger orgasms from increased blood flow to the genital area during pregnancy.
Late in pregnancy, sex or orgasms can trigger mild contractions called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Unlike contractions during labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions don’t dilate the cervix and generally aren’t of any concern. Some medical professionals believe that these contractions help prepare the uterus for labor, and they may play a role in softening the cervix.
One Question Your Partner Might Have: How Might Pregnancy Sex Be Different
While youâre going through the many physical, hormonal, and emotional changes of being pregnant, which can lead to fluctuations in your sex drive, your partner may also be going through lots of changes, and may be wondering how âpregnancy sexâ might be different, Try and keep the communication lines open, and be aware that your pregnancy may also change sex for your partner, whose own feelings and level of desire may be changing during this time.
Be sure your partner knows that you are open to talking about your sex life, and that reaching out to your healthcare provider for advice can be helpful for both of you. Finally, remember that intimacy can be maintained in other ways, too, such as through kissing, cuddling, or giving each other a sensual massage.
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How Safe Is Pregnancy Sex
Unless your doctor or midwife has strict, specific reasons for you to not have intercourse, its absolutely safe for you, your partner, and your developing baby.
Right now, revel in the knowledge that pregnancy sex isnt just safe. Its probably good for you, too.
Women who have orgasms during pregnancy benefit from calming hormones and increased cardiovascular blood flow, and those benefits get passed down to baby, notes Aleece Fosnight, a physician assistant and sex counselor in urology, womens health, and sexual medicine.
Are Masturbation And Vibrators Safe During Pregnancy
Yes, masturbation and vibrators during pregnancy are fair game, with a few general precautions, and as long as your provider hasn’t advised against them.
- Stop using sex toys if you have pain, cramping, or discomfort.
- Don’t use sex toys if you’re experiencing any vaginal bleeding, are at risk for premature labor, or have a low-lying placenta.
- Don’t use them after your water breaks.
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How Often Should You Have Sex
You might have read that having sex too often reduces sperm quality and quantity. Some research has shown that sperm have better quality when collected after a 2-3 day period of abstinence. Studies have also shown that higher rates of conception are seen in couples who have sex every 1-2 days.
Making love once a day or every other day during your fertile window will increase your odds of getting pregnant.
Try to have sex more often, but dont force yourself into a schedule. It could lead to unnecessary stress. Ultimately, the ideal number of times to have sex is what feels comfortable to you.
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.
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.
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Benefits Of Sex During Pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy can have some benefits for a pregnant woman and her partner. Possible benefits include:
- Better orgasms. Increased blood flow to the genitals could mean an increased number of more powerful orgasms for pregnant women.
- Keeping fit. Sex burns calories and can help to keep both partners fit.
- Bonding between partners. Some couples find that sexual activity during pregnancy brings them closer together.
- A boost to the immune system. A 2004 study found that sex increases IgA which is an antibody that helps keep colds and other infections at bay.
- Increased happiness. Orgasms release endorphins that can help mother and baby feel happy and relaxed.
What Happens To The Sperm When A Person Is Already Pregnant And Having Sex
According to Dr. Zanotti, if your partner ejaculates inside of you during pregnancy sex, the sperm wont somehow reach the baby or harm it in any way. It cant penetrate the amniotic sac, she says.
In very rare casesin fact, its so rare that there isnt enough data showing how often this happensthere may be the possibility of a second conception, known as superfetation.2 Experts arent sure why this happens, but some people might still ovulate very early in their pregnancy so another egg could be released and fertilized by the sperm. But again, this is really unlikely.
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Is Third Trimester Sex Safe
Sex during the third trimester of pregnancy is safe as long as you’re having a healthy, normal pregnancy. That said, as your third trimester progresses and you get bigger, you may feel too tired or uncomfortable for sex, or you may find yourself having to get creative about pregnancy sex positions that actually feel good.
Sex during the third trimester may not be safe if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cervical insufficiency
How Will My Partner Feel About Sex During My Pregnancy
Just like you, your partners sexual desire may go up and down during your pregnancy, too. This can be for lots of reasons. For example, they may be feeling anxious about becoming a parent or worried about hurting you.
This may not cause any problems if you are both feeling the same way. But if one of you wants to have sex and the other doesnt, this may cause some stress. Try to remember that if there are any tensions, you are not the only couple to go through this. It may help to have an open and honest chat about how youre both feeling. You may be able to ease any tension and reassure each other. You may also be able to find other ways of being intimate with each other that dont involve sex.
If youre still struggling, you could think about getting some support .
Find out more about relationship problems in pregnancy.
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When Is Sex During Pregnancy Not A Good Idea
In some circumstances, you may have to skip certain activities or positions, or stop having sex entirely for part or all of your pregnancy. Your ob-gyn or midwife will let you know whether you have or develop any complications that make sex a no-go.
Your healthcare provider may tell you not to have sex if you have:
- A dilated cervix before the third trimester
- Ruptured membranes
- An outbreak of genital herpes
Your ob or midwife may advise you to avoid sex in other situations as well like if there are signs you might be at risk for preterm delivery. If you’re uncertain, ask your provider.
Who Shouldn’t Have Sex While Pregnant
While sex during pregnancy is safe for most people, it isn’t safe for everyone. You should talk to your doctor or midwife before having sex if:
- You have had any signs of pre-term labor or have a history of pre-term labor
- You experience any bleeding, cramping, or unusual discharge
- Your water has broken, or you’re leaking amniotic fluid
- You’ve been diagnosed with placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the opening of the cervix
- You’re carrying multiples and are further along in your pregnancy
If you or your partner have other sexual partners or begin a relationship with a new sexual partner, you should use condoms or another barrier method during sex. Sexually transmitted infections can be more dangerous than usual during pregnancy, not only to you but to the child you’re carrying.
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Can I Still Have Sex If I Or My Partner Have A Sexually Transmitted Infection
Sexually transmitted infections are passed from one person to another through sex or genital contact. They are sometimes known as sexually transmitted diseases .
If they are not treated, some STIs, such as chlamydia, can:
- cause health problems for you and your baby during and after pregnancy
- be passed on to your baby.
Most STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Many people who have an STI will not know they are infected and can pass it on to any sexual partners. You will not be tested for most STIs during your routine antenatal care.
If you have any concerns that you or your partner may have an undiagnosed STI, it is important to get tested. The best places to go are a genito-urinary medicine clinic, sexual health clinic, your GP or a young peoples clinic.
Condoms are the only contraception that can prevent STIs, so use them if:
- you or your partner have an STI
- if you have a new partner
- you or your partner are having sex with other people during your pregnancy.
Be aware that some infections can be transmitted by hands, fingers and mutual masturbation. Wash your hands before and after sex.
Find out more about infections in pregnancy, including STIs.
Potential Risks And When To Avoid Sex In Pregnancy
Potential risks of sex can include infection as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease and bleeding before giving birth if you have placenta praevia .
Reasons to avoid having penetrative sex during pregnancy can include:
- placenta praevia
- broken waters as it can increase the risk of infections
- any problems with the cervix you might be at higher risk of going into early labour or a miscarriage
- if you’re having twins and you’re in the later stages of pregnancy
- a history of going into labour early and you’re late into your pregnancy
Use a condom or another form of barrier protection if you or your partner are having sex with other people while you’re pregnant. This will provide protection for you and your baby from sexually transmitted diseases .
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Can You Have Sex While Pregnant Is It Safe
It is common for couples to wonder whether sex and pregnancy are safe together. Unless your health care provider advises you otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for both you and your baby. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in the womb, by your abdomen, and by the mucus plug which seals your cervix and helps guard against infections.
What Changes Are Expected During Pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy can still happen but realize your usual practices may need to adjust to keep things more comfortable given all the changes your body has gone through. Here are some things to consider when thinking about sex during pregnancy:
- The common missionary position may become uncomfortable and warrant considering other positions such as side by side or with you on top.
- As your breasts increase in size, they may become more tender or sore. Encourage your partner to explore other parts of your body and to find other ways to caress you. With the changes in your breast, it is best to avoid direct nipple stimulation.
- There is increased blood flow to the pelvic area that can lead to engorgement of the genitals and heighten the sensation however, for some women, this can be more uncomfortable.
- Exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations, tender breasts and self-consciousness about weight gain can bring your sex drive to a halt. Sometimes you may need rest to regain energy give yourself a break.
Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, you and your partner should be able to enjoy sex during your pregnancy. Pay attention to your body and make adjustments so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources:Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5.Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy Harms, Roger W., M.D., et al, Introduction.
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My Pregnancy Sex Drive Is Very Low Is This Normal
When it comes to your pregnancy sex drive, there’s a wide range of individual experiences. Some women want more sex during pregnancy others, not so much. One study found that pregnant women’s sex drive decreased in the first trimester, but increased again in the second trimester.
In general, sexuality is different for every woman and depends on how you’re feeling physically and emotionally which changes a lot during pregnancy!
You may feel too tired, moody, or nauseated for sex, especially in the first trimester. It’s also not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional changes you’re going through. But you may find that your libido returns in full force once you reach the second trimester, when morning sickness and pregnancy fatigue typically ease up.
Don’t be surprised if your desire fades again in the third trimester, especially in the last month or two of pregnancy. At this point, you may feel too big, achy, or exhausted to even think about third-trimester sex. You may also be preoccupied with upcoming labor and birth.
If you feel like being less physically affectionate than usual, try to share your feelings and reassure your partner of your love. Keeping the lines of communication open will help you support each other as best you can while you go through these changes together.
Even if you can’t have intercourse, or if you’re turned on but not enjoying penetration, you can explore other ways of expressing your love:
- Give and receive oral sex
