During pregnancy, concerns about health and safety naturally arise. One of these questions is whether it is safe to have sex while you are pregnant. What does safe sex during pregnancy mean?
Medically reviewed by Jobelle Ann Dela Cruz Bigalbal, MD · General Practitioner
During pregnancy, concerns about health and safety naturally arise. One of these questions is whether it is safe to have sex while you are pregnant. What does safe sex during pregnancy mean?
Penetration and sexual intercourse will not harm the baby who is well protected. Your uterus has muscular walls and your abdomen along with the fluid of the amniotic sac all serve as a cushion for your baby.
Others are worried about the contractions that are caused by orgasms. They are worried that those contractions can trigger labor. The contractions caused by orgasm are different from those labor contractions.
Although, some doctors would advise not to have sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, because of certain hormones in the semen which can stimulate contractions.
Women who are overdue and would like to induce labor, some doctors would advise sex because of the hormone prostaglandin, which some doctors believe can induce contractions and potentially labor.
Just keep in mind that the connection between that hormone and labor contraction is not yet well-established and is just theoretical for the most part.
In short, if you have a normal pregnancy and you are not suffering from any complications or any disease which can have a complication, then having sex during pregnancy is perfectly fine.
Though it is generally safe to have sex during pregnancy, there are certain situations where having sex is not recommended.
As mentioned earlier, there are some situations where doctors would advise against sex while a woman is pregnant. The following are some of those conditions:
As you can see, the conditions under which safe sex during pregnancy is not possible, are quite rare.
While it is okay to have sex during pregnancy for most of the time, there are still some things you have to keep in mind.
Each woman’s experience of pregnancy is unique and that same is true when it comes to sex. For some women, there is a reduction in sexual desire or libido during pregnancy. Some, however, feel more sexual and have a strong desire for sex.
Your feelings may also be tied with the changes that your body is undergoing. Whatever your experience or sexual drive is, it is perfectly natural.
The most important thing is that you are informed about what you can do and what works.
These are just some of the ideas that you can explore when you want to have sex while you are pregnant.
As you can see, it’s all about exploration. Don’t hesitate to try new things as long as you are properly informed about safe sex during pregnancy.
There are plenty of myths regarding sex during pregnancy which might hold you back.
In the Philippines, for example, many believe that having sex while a woman is pregnant will cause the baby to be born with white stuff on the head. Some also believe sex could stimulate early labor or even, miscarriage.
With a little knowledge about anatomy and how pregnancy works, you can easily disprove these myths. And engage in intimacy armed with the knowledge of how to do so safely.
It’s perfectly to enjoy sex during pregnancy. And it is also fine to abstain, should you choose to do so. This is a time when you could explore new avenues of intimacy with your partner, as long as you get the approval of your doctor and you are not suffering from any complications.
Find more about Being Pregnant here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
People Are Also Reading This
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion