Can You Have Sex While Pregnant? Is it Safe?
Yes! As long as you’re having a normal pregnancy without complications, sex during pregnancy is generally safe right up until your water breaks or you go into labor. It’s common for couples to wonder whether it’s safe to continue having sex during pregnancy. Rest assured that, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, sex is safe for both you and your baby. The baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid in the womb, your abdomen, and the mucus plug that seals your cervix and guards against infections.
When is Sex During Pregnancy Not Safe?
While sex is generally safe during pregnancy, there are certain situations where your healthcare provider may advise against it. These situations include:
- History of premature birth or labor: If you’ve had a previous preterm birth or early labor, your provider might recommend abstaining from sex.
- History of miscarriage: If you’ve had miscarriages before, your healthcare provider may advise caution.
- If your water has broken: Once your water breaks, it’s important to avoid sex to prevent infections.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge: If you experience unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before engaging in sex.
- Placenta previa or a very low-lying placenta: In this condition, the placenta covers the cervix, making sex potentially risky.
- Incompetent cervix or dilation: If your cervix is dilating prematurely or is deemed incompetent, your provider may recommend avoiding sex.
- Sexually transmitted disease: If you or your partner has an STD, sex should be avoided to prevent transmission and complications.
It’s also important to note that while vaginal sex is generally safe, anal sex is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of infections and other complications. For more information on the risks associated with anal sex during pregnancy, consult additional resources or your healthcare provider.
What Are the Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy?
In addition to being an enjoyable activity, sex during pregnancy can have several benefits, including:
- Staying active: Sex burns calories, which can help you and your partner stay active and maintain fitness.
- Better orgasms: Increased blood flow to the genital area during pregnancy can often lead to more intense orgasms.
- A boost in happiness: Orgasms release endorphins, which can make you feel happy and relaxed.
- Closer bond with your partner: Maintaining a healthy sex life during pregnancy helps sustain emotional closeness with your partner, which is especially important during a time of significant changes.
What Changes Are Expected During Pregnancy?
While sex during pregnancy is safe, it’s essential to recognize that your usual practices may need to adapt to accommodate the changes your body is going through. Here are some considerations:
- Positioning: The missionary position may become uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses. Alternative positions like side-by-side or with you on top might be more comfortable.
- Breast sensitivity: As your breasts grow, they may become more tender or sore. Encourage your partner to explore other areas of your body and to be gentle with your breasts, especially avoiding direct nipple stimulation if it’s uncomfortable.
- Increased pelvic blood flow: This can lead to genital engorgement, which may heighten sensations. However, for some women, it might also cause discomfort.
- Fluctuations in sex drive: Exhaustion, hormonal changes, breast tenderness, and self-consciousness about weight gain can reduce your sex drive. It’s okay to take a break and rest if needed to regain energy.
Summary
Unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise, you and your partner should be able to enjoy a healthy sex life during pregnancy. Pay attention to your body and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the experience remains enjoyable and comfortable.