It Is Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

When you become pregnant, you will likely have many questions on your mind. If you are like most women, one of your concerns might be whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. The good news is that with a few precautions and if you have a normal pregnancy, you can keep things hot in the bedroom throughout your pregnancy.

Normal Pregnancy

A normal pregnancy is one that is low-risk for complications like a miscarriage or delivering preterm. Your doctor or midwife will tell you if your pregnancy is anything but normal. Even though it is perfectly fine for you to have sex, you may not want to, according to MayoClinic.com. Your desire for sex can fluctuate throughout your pregnancy. Typically, nausea and fatigue may sap your energy and desire for sex in the first trimester. By the second trimester, you will probably feel better. The increased blood flow to your breasts and genital area during this time may put you in the mood again. By the third trimester, you may be more uncomfortable and not in the mood as much.

Miscarriage

The fear of sex causing a miscarriage is the top fear of pregnant couples, according to the Welcome Baby Home website. Genetic factors and chromosomal abnormalities are generally the cause for a miscarriage, not sex, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have a normal pregnancy, sex is not likely to cause a miscarriage.

Premature Labor

Some women wonder if orgasms can trigger premature labor when they are in their second or third trimester. Although orgasms can cause uterine contractions, these contractions are different from labor contractions, according to MayoClinic.com. Orgasms do not seem to cause premature birth.

Does Sex Harm the Baby?

Having sex will not harm your baby. Your amniotic fluid protects your baby from harm. The mucous plug guards against sperm and bacteria from coming into contact with your baby during pregnancy. Your baby is well cushioned against almost everything except for direct blows to your stomach, according to the Welcome Home Baby website.

What to Avoid

Oral sex is safe during your pregnancy as long as your partner does not blow into your vagina. A burst of air may block a blood vessel, which could be life threatening to you and the baby, according to MayoClinic.com. If your partner has an outbreak of oral herpes, he should not perform oral sex on you. You should avoid anal sex, because it may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. Anal sex may also spread bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.

When to Avoid Sex

Your health care provider may recommend that you do not have sex during pregnancy if you are at risk for a preterm labor, are having unexplained vaginal bleeding, are leaking amniotic fluid, if your cervix begins to open or if you have placenta previa, according to MayoClinic.com.