Explore the safety, benefits, and considerations of sex during pregnancy. Get informed and find guidance on Meri Sehat.

Sex In Pregnancy

PNS SHIFA

Online Consultation

Syed Intisar Hussain

Introduction

There&#39;s no denying that pregnancy is an overwhelming period for both partners as they anticipate parenthood. For a woman, the process is obviously more challenging - her entire body is changing significantly. And even though nurturing her baby in womb would be nothing less than sheer joy, yet it cannot be denied that with all the changes happening internally and externally, a woman may experience mood swings and changes in sex drive.&nbsp;

One of the most pressing questions by couples who are expecting is, if they can have sex during pregnancy. A plethora of myths surround the topic, exploiting the concern parents-to-be have for their baby, especially if it is the first pregnancy. They would want to avoid it, but with all the surging hormones, that&rsquo;s not the ideal solution, is it? So, let&rsquo;s see what can be done to make the whole process enjoyable, whether sex during pregnancy is possible, when it should be avoided, and what happens after delivery.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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Understanding Sex In Pregnancy

Well, no, there is no truth to the statement. Sex is not unsafe for the baby if you and your partner have a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it is believed that sex supports and improves pregnancy.&nbsp;

Your baby is well protected by the thick muscles of the uterus and is cushioned by the amniotic sac (a fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the baby) so there is no potential risk to the baby during intercourse. Moreover, the cervix has a thick mucus plug and it acts as a barrier between the vagina and the uterus so there&#39;s no way that the baby can get hurt or feel the penetrations<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

Many people are of the notion that sex during pregnancy induces preterm labor that results in premature birth or the baby being delivered before the expected due date (before 37 weeks of gestation). However, studies show no evidence of such a relationship and it is concluded that vaginal sex doesn&#39;t put the woman and baby at risk of premature labor and birth<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

As women reach the end of their pregnancy, they might experience contractions due to orgasm or sexual penetration, which are referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. These are mild contractions and are normal in women nearing the due date and they shouldn&#39;t arouse suspicion or concern<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

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Pregnancy can affect the sex drive of people in different ways. Some women feel that their sexual drive is fading away while others reach new heights of sexual arousal. As a woman transitions from the first trimester to the second and then to the third, her desire for sex keeps on changing.&nbsp;

During the first trimester, a woman is adjusting to the new state of her body. There are sudden mood changes, there is with frequent nausea and vomiting, and let&rsquo;s not forget numerous trips to the loo to urinate. Hence, it&rsquo;s not surprising that the mom-to-be whether out of frustration or lack of energy has zero desire to indulge in any sexual activity.&nbsp;

But that&rsquo;s going to change. And sooner than you think.&nbsp;

The second trimester begins and along with it comes a surge in their sexual desire. The nauseous state of the first trimester has subsided. Also, there&rsquo;s a spike in the level of certain hormones. Additionally, it is said that blood flow in the body increases by 40% during pregnancy and that this flow is greater in the genitals, which translates into better orgasms<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Circumstances favoring, now is the time to benefit from sex during pregnancy. It&rsquo;s ideal because the body isn&#39;t too big yet (as it would likely be in the third trimester) so both partners can be comfortable making love.

Speaking of the third trimester, don&rsquo;t be worried if the sexual drive takes a dip. It happens usually because of anxiety surrounding the impending parenthood. Besides, the baby bump is increasing and that makes many women uncomfortable, too and they consciously avoid getting involved in sex at this stage.&nbsp; 
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Communication between both partners is important during pregnancy. Tell your partner how you feel about yourself and if you are comfortable with sex during pregnancy.&nbsp;

It is best to avoid lying flat during intercourse after the 4th month of pregnancy has passed. It exerts great pressure on the vessels that are taking blood to and from the heart and if these vessels get compressed while you&rsquo;re lying, the blood supply to the baby might be compromised<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

This is not to discourage you! On the contrary, you can try new positions that work for both of you. Engage in activities that kindle intimacy, such as hugging, cuddling, and kissing.&nbsp;

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Pregnancy is an emotionally overwhelming period for both partners. Given that the desire for intercourse and the need for affection also varies for both partners throughout pregnancy, it is best to indulge in intimacy in ways and at times that work for both partners. Some benefits of sex during pregnancy are listed below:&nbsp; 
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1. Strengthens The Relationship&nbsp;

According to Terry Hoffman, an Ob-gyn at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, men often feel neglected and ignored during pregnancy since all the attention of their partner is directed toward the baby. Hence, it is believed that pregnancy sex brings both partners closer and strengthens the relationship<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.&nbsp; 
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2. Leads To Better Orgasms

Another benefit that partners experience is better orgasms during pregnancy. This is particularly true for women who feel easily aroused with increased blood flow in the labia and vagina during pregnancy<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp; 
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3. Improves Fitness And Immunity&nbsp;

Sex helps in burning calories and thus, keeps partners fit. Furthermore, sex improves the immune system. A study conducted in 2004 revealed that sex increases the level of IgA (a protein created by the body to prevent infections) and protects individuals from cold and other common infections<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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4. Increases Happiness&nbsp;

Lastly, orgasm releases endorphins, which are referred to as happiness hormones, and helps the mother and baby feel happy and relaxed<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp; 
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Your healthcare provider would advise you against sex if there are certain conditions in your current pregnancy or even if you have had them in previous ones. The only reason is because sex might aggravate those conditions and that would only increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage or preterm labor.&nbsp;

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You should not have during pregnancy if you have<a href="#accordion">[3][4]</a>: 
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<ul>
	<li>Problems with the cervix, which increases the chances of having a miscarriage or early labor&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A risk of miscarriage&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Multiple pregnancies with either twins, triplets, or multiples</li>
	<li>A low-lying placenta that covers the cervix either partially or fully, a condition called placenta previa</li>
	<li>A condition called cervical incompetence where the cervix progresses to labor prematurely&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A history of premature labor&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Experienced unexplained vaginal blood loss</li>
	<li>Complications or high-risk pregnancies where the amniotic fluid leaks or the waters have broken. These conditions increase the risk of infection, hence, making sex during pregnancy a no-go area. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Seek Help Immediately!&nbsp;

Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following while having sex in pregnancy<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

<ul>
	<li>Menstrual-like bleeding</li>
	<li>Pain and discomfort&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Fluid or discharge&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Constant contractions&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The 6 weeks following the delivery of the baby are known as the postpartum period. This is the time when partners are settling in as parents and with many sleepless nights and tiring days while taking care of the baby, sex is usually the last thing on their mind.&nbsp;

For a woman, their body has not stopped changing. It has experienced a lot and is continuing to adjust to this new role during the recovery period. For starters, the episiotomy incision (scar during vaginal birth) or cesarean scar (through C-section) during the birth of the baby takes time to heal. Then, the postpartum bleeding takes 4-6 weeks to resolve. Additionally, fatigue associated with taking care of the baby and sore breasts due to breastfeeding are some of the other factors that contribute to low sex drive in women after birth<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

Moreover, women may have postpartum blues and might be depressed for a while. Consequently, they might not feel like engaging in activities that previously caused pleasure.&nbsp;

It has been proven by research that it takes time for couples to resume sexual activities after giving birth to a baby. Swedish research conducted on 820 first-time parents showed that 6 months following the birth of their first child, the couples could only manage to have sex once or twice in a month<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
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Conclusion

Pregnancy is undoubtedly a very emotionally demanding phase and both partners may experience different levels of sex drives throughout the period. The change in desire is notably more significant in women than men due to changes in hormone levels, body shape, and increased blood flow in their body. Their libido fluctuates throughout the 3 trimesters, reaching its peak in the second trimester.&nbsp;

The myth that sex during pregnancy results in miscarriages and promotes preterm labor and birth has no scientific evidence and, hence, is considered false. On the contrary, several benefits are attributed to having sex during pregnancy including but not limited to the facts that it brings the couples together and keeps them bonded in this very special phase of their life.&nbsp;

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Many couples are puzzled about having or not having sex during pregnancy.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>However, it is completely safe to have sex during pregnancy as it doesn&rsquo;t harm the baby.</li>
	<li>Pregnancy sex is not associated with miscarriages or increased risk of preterm labor and birth.</li>
	<li>Sex drive may vary in women across the three trimesters with the highest drive being in the second trimester.</li>
	<li>Sex during pregnancy has many benefits such as an increase in intimacy between partner, improved health and immunity, etc.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>There are certain conditions in which sex is not allowed during pregnancy. A woman who is at risk of having miscarriages or preterm birth is advised against sex during pregnancy.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Many partners find it cumbersome to resume sex immediately after giving birth due to the exhaustion that comes with parenting and taking care of their baby.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>