It’s perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has told you not to. Sex will not hurt the baby. A penetrative sex cannot penetrate beyond your region, and the baby cannot tell what’s going on.
However, it’s normal for your sex drive to change during pregnancy. This isn’t something to worry about but it help to talk about it with your sexual partner.
Your developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as by the strong muscles of the uterus itself.
Sexual activity wouldn’t affect your baby as long as you don’t have complications such as preterm labor or placenta problems. However, pregnancy can cause changes in your level of comfort and sexual desire.
Have sex during pregnancy wouldn’t provoke a miscarriage. It occurs because the fetus isn’t developing normally.
As long as you are comfortable, most sexual positions are ok during pregnancy. Or sex is also safe during pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find what works best. Let your creativity take over, as long as you keep mutual pleasure and comfort in mind
During the later stages of pregnancy, people should choose positions that do not put pressure on the pregnant belly, such as the missionary position. If a woman lies on her back, the weight of the baby might put extra pressure on her internal organs.
When To Avoid Sex
A midwife or a doctor may advice a woman to avoid sexual intercourse during her pregnancy is she has experienced the following.
A. Problem with the cervix that could increase the likelihood of miscarriage or going into early labor
B. Pregnancy with twins
C. Placenta Previa, where the placenta partially or entirely covers the entrance of the cervix.
D. Cervical incompetence, where the cervix opens prematurely
E. A history of going into premature labor
F. Substantial blood loss or unexpected vaginal bleeding
To stay connected with your partner, talk about your needs in a open and loving way. Let pleasure and comfort be your guide. If something doesn’t feel right for either of you, change what you are doing.
It’s best to wait until after your post partum checkup ( about 6 weeks after giving birth) to have sex again. You don’t have to have sex to be loving to your partner. There are other ways like kissing, cuddling and massaging.
If you are worried about how pregnancy is affecting your relationship with your partner, talk to your doctor.