Sexual Intercourse and Pregnancy

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It is perfectly natural and safe to have sexual intercourse and reach orgasm throughout your entire pregnancy, unless your doctor has told you differently.

1 When to avoid sex during pregnancy
2 Will sex hurt the baby?
3 Positions to avoid
4 Positions to try
5 Note on oral sex
6 Emotional concerns
7 When to call the doctor
8 Are you newly pregnant?

[edit] When to avoid sex during pregnancy

You may need to avoid sex if you have had a history of miscarriages, have been treated for premature labor, or have trouble with your cervix, placenta or amniotic fluid. But if you are having a normal pregnancy, go ahead and have sex. Your baby will not be harmed or be aware of what is going on.

[edit] Will sex hurt the baby?

The baby is cushioned well by the amniotic fluid and by the abdominal and uterine muscles of the mother, and there is a thick mucus plug in the cervix that helps to prevent infection. You do not have to worry about hurting the baby during sexual intercourse. However, there are some sexual positions that you will want to avoid while pregnant.

[edit] Positions to avoid

You should not lie flat on your back during intercourse as the uterus will compress blood vessels in that position.

[edit] Positions to try

There are many other positions to enjoy. Try spooning with the man in back, or get on top. Try it on your hands and knees or engage in oral sex. This is a good substitute if intercourse is not allowed, just check with your doctor that it is permissible for you to orgasm.

[edit] Note on oral sex

If your partner if performing oral sex on you, warn him not to blow air into your vagina as this can force air into your blood stream and cause a potentially deadly blood clot in your system.

[edit] Emotional concerns

A woman’s sex drive is sometimes negatively affected by pregnancy. Self consciousness about a growing waistline, pregnancy exhaustion, and hormonal changes all can contribute to a flagging sex life. On the other hand, pregnancy can positively affect her sex drive by giving her a sense of freedom from worrying about contraception. Confidence may also be boosted if the couple was infertile – the conception sex has paid off. Some women also enjoy the appearance of their newfound curves and this enhances their sex drive. Pregnancy hormones make the breasts more sensitive and the vulva engorged resulting in a more enjoyable experience for some women. Many women find that their desire fluctuates throughout the stages of her pregnancy. This is normal and caused by hormonal changes.

Sexual intercourse while pregnant will benefit by keeping the lines of communication with your partner open. If either party is uncomfortable with something, speak up. Experiment with facets of sex that satisfy both of you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

[edit] When to call the doctor

Don’t be shy about asking your doctor any questions or concerns that you have about sexual intercourse while pregnant, and after you deliver remember to wait until the doctor gives you the all clear before having sex again.