Sex During Pregnancy

It is natural to be curious about how your sex life will change as your pregnancy progresses. In fact, one of the most common concerns among expectant couples is whether or not it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. 

Many couples abandon the missionary position for a more comfortable side-by-side position as the pregnancy progresses.

Fortunately, the answer is usually, Yes! During a low-risk pregnancy, it is safe to have sex. There are some situations in which your health care provider may advise against sex. 

If you have a history of miscarriages or preterm labor, premature uterine contractions, unexplained cramping, discharge or bleeding, are carrying multiples, or if you have any special conditions such as incompetent cervix or placenta previa, you may be told to avoid sex. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to check with your healthcare provider.

Of course, even though sex is safe during pregnancy, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what is best for you. You may find that your desire for sex changes throughout your pregnancy. In fact, both increased and decreased sex-drive are normal during pregnancy, and you will probably experience both. On the one hand, pregnancy can make you and your partner feel closer than ever and invigorate your sex life, while on the other, pregnancy symptoms, like ever-present morning sickness and backaches, can really get in the way of a romantic evening.

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It’s most important to keep the lines of communication open between you and your partner. Intimacy can be expressed in many ways, and pregnancy can lead to intimate experiences that are more inventive and fulfilling than your pre-pregnancy sex life.

Certainly, many couples find that as the pregnancy progresses, they need to experiment with new positions. On the next page, you will find the answers to some common questions couples have about sex during pregnancy.

How Can We Make Sex More Comfortable?
You may notice some discomfort as your body changes throughout your pregnancy. Increased blood flow to your pelvic region results in engorged genitals and heightened pleasure for some women. For other women, this swelling can lead to hypersensitivity and can make sex uncomfortable. It is important to pay attention to the changes in your body and communicate what feels best to your partner.

Your baby is safely enclosed in the amniotic sac, and there is a thick mucus plug that covers your cervix to protect against infection.

 The standard missionary position can also become more and more uncomfortable as your belly grows each month. Many couples abandon the missionary position for a more comfortable side-by-side position as the pregnancy progresses.

You may also find that sitting on your partners lap, or holding yourself up on your hands and knees is more comfortable for you. And if you need extra lubrication, it is safe to use products like KY Jelly. Never use petroleum jelly, as this can lead to vaginal infections.

What Isn’t Safe?
Whether you are pregnant or not, it is always important to know the HIV status of your partner as well as any other STDs they may have. The transmission of HIV from mother to baby can frequently be avoided as long as you and your physicians know your status prior to delivery, but HIV and other STDs can be extremely dangerous to your baby. You should always know your partner’s history. Also, if you and your partner engage in oral sex, be sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. This can cause a blockage of blood vessels called an embolism. Air embolisms can be fatal to both mother and baby.

Can Vaginal Penetration Hurt the Baby?
The penis does not come into contact with your baby during sex. Your baby is safely enclosed in the amniotic sac, and there is a thick mucus plug that covers your cervix to protect against infection.

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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
As previously mentioned, if you have any questions about whether or not any characteristics of your pregnancy make it unsafe for you to have sex, don’t hesitate to ask your physician. If you are feeling embarrassed, remember, it is a normal concern and is most certainly a question your physician has heard before. You should also call your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual bleeding or discharge, or experience contractions that continue after sex.

Can Sex Cause Labor, or Contractions?
In low-risk pregnancies, sex will not cause labor or contractions. During the last weeks of pregnancy however, some healthcare providers do recommend that all women stop having sex because a chemical contained in semen can stimulate contractions. Chances are, you won’t want to have sex during the often uncomfortable last weeks of your pregnancy anyway.

It is most important to listen to your body and be honest with your partner. Sometimes you may want to have sex, and sometimes sex will be the last thing you want to think about; it’s all perfectly normal. Just remember, there is more to intimacy than sex.