With pregnancy come many fears and anxieties. It’s a moment to rejoice as new life is being created. Pregnancy can have its ups and downs. Some women experience an increased libido and begin craving for sex, while for others, it will be the last thing on their minds and would rather be left alone for fear of their unborn baby.
For any woman whose pregnancy is normal and shows no signs of complications, it’s perfectly normal to indulge in sexual activities as often as she and her partner wish to. The first trimester of pregnancy can be quite trying for most women as hormonal fluctuations, nausea and fatigue will keep them occupied and sex will be the last thing in their minds.
The second trimester is likely to rekindle your sexual interests as there’s an increased inflow of blood to your breasts and sexual organs. This is the time when most women crave for sex. However, the third trimester is rather difficult, as women start increasing in weight as their tummy enlarges due to a spurt in the growth of the baby. During this time, women will also suffer from back pain, and they’ll hardly have anything else in their mind.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
What worries many couples as soon as they learn that they are going to be parents, is the fact that what will happen to the fetus if they indulge in sexual intercourse.
"Is it going to harm the fetus? Is a miscarriage likely to occur because of penetration?" - These are fears and anxieties that plague not only the new mother but also the new father, who becomes helpless about this new situation. The early trimester is a period that’s really tough for a pregnant woman. She is ever thinking of how to safe guard her baby and will go to all lengths to keep it safe in her womb. The fear of miscarriage is what puts sex off her mind.
Miscarriages don’t occur because of sex. They happen because of chromosomal abnormalities or any other problems, not if you have sex. Sex is very safe during this trimester and women can indulge in sex if they have a liking or inclination for it. Most often sex will be at the back of their minds as other serious things like nausea, fatigue and vomiting will keep them very occupied.
Sex during pregnancy will not cause harm to the baby as the growing baby is well protected in the embryonic sac in the uterus. The cervix remains blocked by a mucous plug throughout the pregnancy period and the amniotic fluid inside the uterus protects the unborn baby. So sex is perfectly safe.
Best Positions for Safe Sex During Pregnancy
Whatever position leaves you comfortable when having sex is most suitable. Different people have different experiences. While one position may be comfortable for one couple, it may not suit another. It all depends on individuals and their moods.
All sexual positions are safe during the first trimester. Of course during the second trimester certain positions would be comfortable. Some women would rather prefer to lie on their sides than on their backs or would prefer to position themselves on their partner instead. Enjoy your sex in which ever position makes you comfortable.
When Sex Should Be Avoided
While it’s perfectly safe to have sex all through pregnancy, at times it makes sense to be cautious. If your doctor advises you against sex, then ensure that you and your partner refrain from it. Oral sex can be performed instead.
Your doctor will ask you to refrain from sex if you experience vaginal bleeding due to unknown causes, you are at risk of preterm delivery or labor, your cervix opens prematurely, there’s discharge of amniotic fluid or when your placenta that entirely or partly covers your cervical opening.
Guidelines for Safe Sex During Pregnancy
- Women on top positions or lying on sides are the best ones to follow
- Deep penetration should be avoided if it is uncomfortable to the mother
- No sexual foreplay that involves using water, air or foreign objects should be used in the vagina
- Nipple stimulation to be avoided as breasts will be tender and can hurt
- No sex if the doctor advises against it
It is always safer to be cautious and take precautionary steps. Always seek your doctor’s advice if you need to include sex during your pregnancy term. Your baby is more important now.
