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Concerns About Sex During Pregnancy |
by:
Susan Tanner |
Sex is amongtop most enjoyable activities practiced by couples. Why should this be any different duringnine months of pregnancy?
Many expecting parents have concerns about having sex during pregnancy. Anyone considering it will undoubtedly have many questions. Hopefully these answers can help to put you and your partner at ease.
Is it safe forbaby? Innormal, low-risk pregnancy, sex during pregnancy will not harmbaby. The fetus is protected byamniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holdsfetus and surrounding fluid) and bystrong muscles arounduterus. There is alsothick mucus plug that sealscervix and helps guard against infection.
When is it not safe? It is unsafe in high-risk pregnancies. Some cases where you should not have sex during pregnancy are:
* If you havehistory or threat of miscarriage
* If you havehistory or signs indicatingrisk of pre-term labor
* More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)
* Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
* Placenta previa (a condition whereplacenta is situated so low that it coverscervix)
* Leakage of amniotic fluid
* ncompetent cervix (a condition in whichcervix is weakened and dilates prematurely raisingrisk of miscarriage or premature delivery)
If any of these cases apply to you, or if you are at all unsure, consult your physician before engaging in sex during pregnancy.
Canbaby feel it? Some parents may have concerns about disturbingunborn baby by having sex during pregnancy. Rest assured,cervix is protected bythick mucus plug;penis will not come into contact withfetus. The baby may thrash aroundbit after orgasm, but this is simply because ofmother's pounding heart, and not becausebaby is feeling discomfort or even knows what's happening.
Can sex during pregnancy or orgasm cause miscarriage or premature birth? It should not lead to miscarriage or premature birth in normal low-risk pregnancies. The contractions felt during orgasm are completely different fromcontractions associated with labor. Some doctors recommend, though, that all mothers discontinue sex duringfinal weeks of pregnancy. There ischemical in semen that is believed to stimulate contractions.
Is it normal for my desire for sex during pregnancy to fluctuate? It is perfectly normal for sex drive to increase and decrease during pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, andincreased need to urinate can make sex during pregnancy bothersome, especially duringfirst trimester. Some of these symptoms subside duringsecond trimester, which may result inheightened sex drive. Increased blood flow topelvic area can cause engorgement ofgenitals and heighten sensation. This same engorgement, though, can leave some mothers withuncomfortable feeling of fullness after sex. The amount of vaginal discharge or moistness may increase, which can either make sex during pregnancy more pleasurable, or cause irritation. Incase ofsudden change inamount of discharge, orfoul or unusual odor, consult your physician.
Many couples find that intercourse is more fulfilling withadded freedom from worries about contraception andunique new feeling of closeness.
Which positions are most favorable? You will discover that asmother's belly swells, finding comfortable positions for sex during pregnancy will require more interesting maneuvers. Mom may find that lying on her back will become less and less comfortable aspregnancy progresses, andweight ofbaby can restrict circulation.
* Lie sideways. Havingman on top will become more and more difficult asbaby grows.
* Useedge ofbed. The mother can lay on her back with her feet and rear onedge ofbed, andman kneeling or standing in front.
* Lie side-by-side inspoon position. This will allow for only shallow penetration. Deep thrust can become uncomfortable asmonths pass.
* Havewoman on top. This allows her to controldepth of penetration and will put no added weight on her abdo
men. Oral sex during pregnancy can beexcellent alternative in situations where intercourse is not recommended. It is safe, as long as you are inmonogamous relationship, where both partners have been tested and are HIV-negative.
The most important thing is that you communicate with your partner. Experiment with different methods, enjoy yourselves and try to keepsense of humor.
Sex during pregnancy can still be one of your favorite activities.
Aboutauthor:
Susan Tanner iswife and mother of three. She is alsoeditor of pregnancy-guide.net. Pregnancy-Guide isonline community for mothers to find support and valuable information. Please visit Pregnancy-Guide at http://www.pregnancy-guide.net
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