Sex During Pregnancy – 5 Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

During pregnancy, your sex drive may change. Sexual desire may spike up or reduce. The reduction may be due to several unanswered questions running through your mind; “Will it cause miscarriage? Will penetration harm your baby? Will having sex be comfortable? Can it lead to premature birth?” You’re definitely thinking about this too much, so toss those thoughts out of the window. I’ll explain it all.

Sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe, as long as it is comfortable for you and they are no conditions which I’ll explain below, then go for it.

However, the urge to have sex may fluctuate throughout the stages of pregnancy, the tiredness, illnesses or emotions can make you think it is the last thing you want to do at that moment.

Below are the FAQs and answers about sex during pregnancy.

Why is sex good during pregnancy?

Sex during pregnancy is encouraged, beneficial, and considered safe. Here are some points to prove this.

Sex can be better: Sex during pregnancy can be more satisfying even more than regular sex. Increased blood circulation makes the clitoris more sensitive. Sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) are also highly secreted during pregnancy. These help boost sexual pleasure, which can mean multiple orgasms.
Improves mother and baby’s health: Health benefits that come with sex during pregnancy are countless. Sex helps you enjoy post-sex sleep, burn calories, lower blood pressure, tightens the muscles, and boost the immune system. Interestingly, all these benefits are not for you only but for your baby too as your feeling of relaxation positively affects his/her development before and after birth. There is improved sleep and increased blood circulation to the baby. Endorphins released as the mother orgasms helps both mother and baby to feel relaxed and happy.
Sex enhance connection with your husband: Having sex frequently with your partner during pregnancy can help bring you closer and strengthen the bond you have, how you and your husband sit to talk, and restrategize your sexual life because of your condition can be one of the sweetest things.
Improves you mentally: Sex makes you feel good. Being in a good state improves your mental health.

Will penetration harm the baby?

Both husband and wife feel the need to ask this question as they think sexual activity may either cause miscarriage, premature birth, or damage the baby, all lies. It is understandable that the vagina is not the same as the uterus where the baby is.

The strong uterus muscles, mucus plug around the cervix and amniotic fluid provide maximum protection for the baby. Despite how endowed your partner may be, his penis cannot reach the baby. The little rocky movement the baby might feel will definitely have no effect on him/her. Mothers may have uterine contraction after sex because of orgasm and prostaglandins in semen, do not panic, the pain will be relieved.

What sex positions should I try out?

Sex during pregnancy may not be easy like regular sex as some positions you and your partner were used to may not be comfortable as your baby bump develops, hence, the need to try different positions. Sex positions during pregnancy should support the belly and help mother-to-be control the depth of penetration. Side-by-side, seated pregnancy sex, woman-on-top, and doggie are positions to try out.

In the third trimester, when there is more weight in the uterus, missionary position is not advisable as the whole bump weight will rest on the back and veins which can cause high blood pressure and reduce mother-to-baby blood circulation.

In addition, do not allow your partner to blow air inside your vagina during oral sex, this may cause embolisms (blockage of an artery) which may be life-threatening for both mother and baby. You may want to skip BDSM till after pregnancy.

Do I need protection (condoms) during sex?

Are you concerned that new fertilization may occur after having unprotected sex during pregnancy? After conceiving, the mucus plug formed in the cervix blocks the passage of sperm, to prevent access into the uterus. So, no fertilization will occur when you are already pregnant. If only for this reason, you don’t need a condom.

Other reasons why protection may be used is to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), if your partner has any form of sexually transmitted disease, use protection or avoid any form of sexual activity at all cost.

When should I avoid sex during pregnancy?

Despite all its goodness, pregnancy sex might be a no-go-area for some women. This may be due to the followings:

Cervical incompetence: This is when the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina) begins to open prematurely without other symptoms of labor. It is a uterine abnormality or genetic disorder that affects collagen, hence, resulting in a weakened cervix which may cause premature delivery or miscarriage. The most common procedure to overcome this is called “Cervical Cerclage”, whereby the doctor sews around the cervix with sutures or synthetic tapes to strengthen it.
Placenta previa: A condition where the placenta is too low in the uterus, covering the cervix opening partially or totally. Having sex with this condition increases the risk of bleeding.
Doctor’s prescription: Your doctor may advise you not to have pregnancy sex due to underlying health problems or foreseen risks attached.
History or risk of going into premature labor.
History or risk for miscarriages.
You have unexplained vaginal bleeding for a long time leading to substantial blood loss.