By Karen Espig
I will write this article speaking directly to the pregnant parent, but of course, partners need to be involved in the conversation. If you are pregnant and have concerns regarding the wisdom of having sex with your partner, the general advice is to go for it unless you have been advised otherwise by your medical practitioner.
In a low-risk, progressing normal pregnancy, not only is there no risk to the growing foetus, but there are several benefits. So, it is not only a good idea, it’s a great one!
Do You Want To?
Pregnancy and the physical transformations can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure about your body. The hormone changes may increase or decrease your sex drive, and this may change throughout the pregnancy. The same guidance applies as in pre-pregnancy. If you aren’t feeling it, you needn’t be doing it.
Possibly, you will want to be intimate differently than before pregnancy. It is important to be honest with your partner. There is nothing wrong with changing things up. Good communication during this time can benefit your relationship. Finding new ways to be physical and intimate can strengthen the bond between you.
However, if you are feeling hesitant, say so and take it slow.
Keep It Clean
If your sexual play includes toys, be sure they are clean. In fact, make sure fingers and penises are clean too. Wearing gloves or ensuring fingernails are trimmed and cleaned is wise for finger play.
Be aware if you and your partner(s) have a history or risk of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) or yeast infections, and get tested. Any infections should be treated in full before unprotected sex.
This is particularly important during pregnancy, when you may be more susceptible to infections. While it is true that the baby is safely sealed up in the uterus, you don’t need the additional bother of an infection and antibiotics.
Myth Busting: Will It Hurt The Baby?
Typically, no, it will not. Physical changes that happen during pregnancy offer protection to the growing baby. The cervix, for example, produces a thick plug of mucus to ensure nothing passes into the uterus during gestation. The uterus’s muscles become more robust to ensure the integrity of the amniotic sac and the foetus within it.
Myth Busting: Will Orgasm Cause A Miscarriage?
In a low-risk pregnancy, no, it will not. The contractions of orgasm are different from those of childbirth. Be sure to discuss the risk level of your pregnancy early on and monitor any changes.
When Is It Not Safe To Have Sex
Some rare circumstances may cause your physician to advise against sexual activity. If you happen to have a shortened cervix or low-lying placenta, then it is best to limit your physical intimacy to cuddles and kisses.
If you have cramping or pain after sex, be sure to share this with your doctor or midwife. It is not necessarily a danger, but it is best to get checked out.
It is essential to receive regular and recommended medical exams to monitor any changes that might put you into a higher-risk category.
The Good Stuff
There are numerous benefits to continuing sexual activity during your pregnancy. Sex and orgasm release endorphins and oxytocin, which relieve stress and provide that feel-good-all-over vibe. There is some evidence that releasing these may also offer some pain-management benefits. Some women even experience intensified orgasms (particularly in the second trimester)… nice!
Sex provides good cardio and calorie-burning exercise at any time. It can also lower blood pressure and improve your sleep. Sex and orgasm while pregnant also help support the health and strength of your pelvic floor, allowing for an easier recovery post-birth and less risk of incontinence issues.
In the second and third trimesters, it may get uncomfortable to be lying on your back for either sleep or sex. It is still perfectly safe to have sex; try lying on your side, as it may be less physically taxing for you.
So, as far as sexual activity goes, it is safe for most couples experiencing a healthy pregnancy to play as usual. You may even continue into the final month if your water has not broken and labour has not begun.
Any previous complications in your pregnancies are essential factors in determining whether you are having a low or high-risk pregnancy. Be sure your doctor and/or midwife are aware of past miscarriages, preterm or multiple births, or bleeding.
Pregnancy is a great time to cherish each other. Soon, life will be filled with all the new stuff a baby brings. If this is your first pregnancy, it is a great opportunity to really focus on each other and make plans for your new life together. So, if your doctor has given you the green light on regular sexual activity, have fun with it.