Most couples are more concerned about having sex to conceive. Not many of them seem concerned about having sex during pregnancy. They believe they should stay away from having sexual intercourse with their partners during pregnancy. This is not true though. If you ask, “Can we do sex during pregnancy?” the answer is in a big yes. You just need to be careful about certain things and practice safe sex to have an active sex life while you are pregnant. Keep reading to learn more about sex during pregnancy.
Can We Do Sex During Pregnancy?
Yes you can have sex during pregnancy, so long as your pregnancy is progressing normally. What you should also bear in mind is that you may not always be in a mood to have sex during pregnancy. This happens due to fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, breast tenderness, and nausea. Other issues like back pain, weight gain, and other symptoms might also lower your sexual desire.
Similarly, you may be thinking too hard about how your baby will affect your relationship with your partner and what changes it will bring in your life. All this will make sex the last thing on your mind. If you still want to get into the act, you can. Just be sure to avoid certain types of sexual behaviors.
There are some situations when your doctor may advise you against having sex. For instance, you may not have sex during pregnancy if you have:
- Had a miscarriage in the past
- A history of pre-term labor
- Unexplained vaginal discharge, bleeding, or cramping
- Incompetent cervix that dilates prematurely
- Leakage of amniotic fluid
- Twins, triplets, etc.
Moreover, you should avoid having sex if you have a condition called placenta previa in which the placenta is so low that it covers your cervix.
Things to Watch Out For
- It is important to ensure that your partner does not blow into your vagina while engaging in oral sex. This can cause a blockage in a blood vessel and lead to complications.
- Avoid having sex with someone whose sexual history is unknown to you. Never have sex with someone if you do not know about their sexual health – they may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts, herpes, HIV, or Chlamydia and that can be dangerous for you and your baby.
- You may want to avoid anal sex during pregnancy to avoid any complications.
How to Have Safe Sex During Pregnancy
Once you know the answer to your question, “Can we do sex during pregnancy?” you should learn more about how to have sex during pregnancy. Here are a few considerations:
Use a Comfortable Position
Be sure to stick to a position that feels comfortable for both of you. With an increase in the size of your belly, you will not feel comfortable in most sex positions. You need to be creative here and experiment a bit with standard sex positions to find what feels more comfortable. While you may not be able to have sex in a missionary position after mid second trimester, you can try being on top of him. You can also try to be in a “spooning” position to feel more comfortable. It is also a good idea to sit on the edge of your bed or on a chair while your partner penetrates you in a standing position.
Be Sure to Use Support
You can get several pillows and keep them under your body, especially under your bottom to prop yourself. This will make things more comfortable. You can always make changes to your pillows to find a more comfortable angle.
Try Other Forms of Sex
Mutual masturbation is a great idea, even though it is a low-key alternative to standard vaginal intercourse. You may even try oral sex but make sure that your partner does not blow air into the vagina.
However, you need to learn what to avoid. Avoid anal sex and also keep in mind that there is no need to push yourself hard. If you do not feel like having sex during pregnancy or at any stage during pregnancy, be open about it. Let your partner know what you feel and try alternative forms of sex instead.
What Should Be the Frequency of Sex During Pregnancy?
Now that you know the answers to, “Can we do sex during pregnancy?” and “How can we do it safely?” you may also want to know how often you can engage in sex. Well, it actually depends on how you feel at different times during pregnancy. You are probably going to have a high sex drive during your second trimester, so you can increase your frequency of having sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
While, “Can we have sex during pregnancy?” is an important question to ask, you should have information about some other things as well.
Can sex be harmful for my baby?
No, you do not have to worry about it because the amniotic sac protects your baby from all invaders.
Can intercourse cause miscarriage?
You do not have to worry about anything when you have a low-risk pregnancy. You may feel contractions during sex and just after orgasm, but they are not like the contractions associated with labor. If you feel something weird and are concerned about anything after having sex with your partner, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Are there any situations when I should call my doctor?
It is a good idea to talk to your doctor before having sex during pregnancy. They will tell you if it is safe for you to engage in vaginal sex. You may also talk to them if you experience any unusual symptoms after sex, such as bleeding, pain, or discharge. Contact them if you experience contractions that do not stop long after sex.