Sex and Pregnancy
Whether or not sex is okay during different stages of pregnancy is often one of the first questions that arise for expectant women and their partners. The short answer is that, in most cases, sex is safe during all trimesters for women experiencing normal pregnancies. Of course, the desire to have sex will likely fluctuate as hormone levels rise and the female body experiences physical changes. The fatigue and nausea that is common during the first trimester may dampen sexual desire, which may again be ignited during the second trimester, only to fall, yet again, in the third trimester when the growing abdomen may make sex uncomfortable.
Every woman is different and experiencing an increase or decrease in sexual desire during pregnancy is completely normal. Keep in mind that sexual activity varies between couples, regardless of whether or not they are expecting, so there is no definitive normal level of sexual activity or sexual desire that couples need to aspire to during pregnancy. Open communication and engaging in sexual activity in a manner that works for you and your partner are the keys to enjoying sex during pregnancy.
There are some instances where sex during pregnancy is not recommended and should be avoided. Your doctor or midwife will likely recommend that you refrain from sex if you have unexplained cramping or vaginal bleeding, are at an elevated risk of preterm labor or miscarriage, are experiencing cervical incompetence or leakage of amniotic fluid, or if you have placenta previa, in which case your cervical opening is partially or completely covered by the placenta. There are also some precautions that should be taken with certain types of sexual activity, such as cunnilingus. If you receive oral sex from your partner during pregnancy, it is imperative that your partner does not blow air into your vagina, which can result in a blood vessel being blocked by an air bubble. These air embolisms are a rare occurrence, but can be life-threatening when they happen.
Aside from these specific situations, sex during pregnancy may require a bit of creativity, particularly in the later weeks when a growing abdomen and back pain may mandate trying new positions, but is considered safe throughout the time you are expecting. Contrary to what some old wives? tales claim, sex does not appear to increase the risk of miscarriage and will not harm your baby, who is protected by a mucus plug blocking the cervix and the amniotic fluid that surrounds her or him. Engaging in sexual pleasure with your partner during this period of change and growth can strengthen your relationship and make both partners feel validated and supported.
