Sex During Pregnancy

It is perfectly normal and safe!

If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy. A normal pregnancy is one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Expectant parents often worry that sex can be harmful during their pregnancy. They fear that intercourse could hurt the baby, or even cause miscarriage. Some are afraid that the baby somehow "knows" that sex is taking place. The baby is well protected by a cushion of fluid in the womb and by the mom's abdomen and is completely safe.

The partner sometimes worries that intercourse might cause discomfort or pain for the pregnant woman. Worries like this are common and completely normal, but most of them are unfounded. In actuality, sexual desire may increase in some due to the changes of pregnancy that leave the vulva engorged and sensitive and the breasts extra sensitive. If your pregnancy is considered to be high risk, you may need to be more cautious than other women. In this case, your health care provider may advise you to avoid intercourse for all or part of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy and sex

Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable, as their bodies get larger. You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are most comfortable. Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

There are many reasons why sex during pregnancy can be more enjoyable, even if you are doing it less. There is an increase in vaginal lubrication, engorgement of the genital area helps some people become orgasmic for the first time or multi-orgasmic, the lack of birth control, or if you have been trying for awhile, a return to sex as pleasure as opposed to procreation, and other reasons. On the other hand there are reasons why sex might not be as pleasurable: fear of hurting the baby, nausea, fatigue, awkwardness, etc.

Safe positions

Positions that work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later stages of the baby's development. For example, a woman should avoid lying flat on her back after the fourth month of pregnancy, because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional missionary position, such as lying sideways or having the woman on top. There are many positions that are more comfortable as you expand. These include: