Having sex during pregnancy is alright in case of a normal pregnancy. However, coping with certain health conditions during pregnancy may restrict couples from enjoying sex. Take a quick look at the circumstances which may not allow or may allow couples to have sex during pregnancy.Although, in case of a normal pregnancy a couple can have sex during all stages of pregnancy, in case of certain conditions it may not be safe. Every pregnancy is unique and each couple should consult a doctor if it is suitable or not for them to have sex during pregnancy. Let us take a look at the common concerns about having sex during pregnancy.
When to Avoid Sex in Pregnancy?
It is important you refrain from any sorts of sexual intercourse when you experience heavy bleeding during pregnancy. Sex increases the chances of more bleeding when your placenta is lying low or in case of haematoma.
It is again better to avoid sex when your water has ruptured. Sex in this condition shall increase chances of an infection. In case you have questions, you can always bring it up to your obstetrician.
Sex is often enjoyed well by couples, while there are many who do not feel the urge of having any kind of physical intimacy. You can express your love in different ways in the later case. Make sure you talk about your feelings with each other and discover new ways to express your love for each other.
The Right Sex Positions
While you may feel the urge to have
sex during pregnancy, it may not appear that easy. You will have to experiment with different positions now. This is the time when both of you need to experiment and work out different options.
You may not feel very comfortable with your partner on top. This is because your breasts turn tender and also your bump starts growing. Your partner too may find it difficult to penetrate you well. Lying on your sides in the best possible way; you both may face each other or your partner may penetrate you from behind.
What You Must Avoid?
Blowing while having oral sex is one thing that you must avoid in pregnancy. You increase the chances of developing air embolus when air is blown into the vagina, say the experts. The air can travel into the lungs and give rise to potentially dangerous conditions.
Why to Avoid Sex?
The chances of preterm labour, miscarriages, bleeding or incompetent cervix increase with sexual activities in pregnancy. Doctors suggest being careful while having an intercourse in the second or the
third trimester.
Those with
placenta praevia are known to be at greater risk of haemorrhage while having sex in pregnancy. PROM or premature rupture of membrane becomes a common occurrence when the amniotic sac with the baby and amniotic fluid bursts. There are chances of the sac developing a hole before
labour as well with increased sexual activity.
Experts suggest if a woman does not experience any
contractions in pregnancy, she can safely engage in sexual activities.
Discharge with foul smell or heavy bleeding may increase pregnancy risk. It is better to avoid intercourse in such cases. Discharges with foul smell may be the indication of an infection that can move up to the uterus. Bleeding in general is a sign of an underlying problem.
You also need to keep in mind that if your partner suffers from STD, it is vitally essential to use protection like a condom. You will be making a mistake thinking that you would not need contraception in pregnancy.
Even though couples worry about sex leading to miscarriages during pregnancy, you should not be concerned too much about it in general. Miscarriages in the early stages are generally result of chromosomal abnormalities and other problems related to the baby's development. These are some cases which are not related to sex and there is little you can do about them.
The baby developing inside you is well guarded by the amniotic fluid in the uterus. The uterus also has strong muscle-lining protecting your little one. So, you should not be worried about sexual activities harming your baby in any way in case of a normal pregnancy.
When is it not safe to have sex during pregnancy? Is it safe to have sex during last trimester of pregnancy? Which are the right positions for having sex during pregnancy? Discuss here.