Q. Is it safe to have sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy?
A. Yes. The uterus is a protective muscular organ which encloses the developing baby completely, so that the penis does not touch the baby. In addition, early in pregnancy, a mucous plug forms at the cervix or entrance to the womb. This blocks bacteria from entering the uterus and allows women to bathe, swim and have sex safely.
The most common time for miscarriage is the first three months of pregnancy. If there is reason for concern a couple may feel more comfortable delaying sexual intercourse. Doctors may advise against intercourse during this time if a woman has had any spotting of blood or has miscarried previously. Intercourse itself cannot cause a miscarriage. It may be reassuring to know that up to approximately 1/3 of women have some bleeding at the time of an expected period and proceed to have a normal pregnancy.
It is a good idea to report any bleeding to your doctor and seek his recommendation regarding intercourse.
Q. Can intercourse cause labour to start?
A. No. Labour will begin naturally at the end of a normal pregnancy. Intercourse is usually safe until labour begins. Should labour start following intercourse, it is simply a coincidence and not a cause of premature or early labour.
Q. Does pregnancy affect a woman’s sexual desire, needs and satisfaction?
A. Perhaps. A woman experiences many hormonal, physical and emotional changes throughout her pregnancy. The following are examples of these changes as they may occur in each trimester.
The First 3 Months:
Early symptoms of pregnancy such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness may make sex less desirable. Breast stimulation may need to be postponed during sexual activity if uncomfortable.
The Middle 3 Months:
As the above symptoms disappear, a woman may begin to "feel more like herself". With increased vaginal blood supply and discharge occurring at this time, a woman’s sexual feelings and desire for sex may also increase.
For others, the increasing size of their belly as the baby grows may be uncomfortable. A woman may also be feeling less attractive or desirable which may contribute to lack of interest in intercourse.
The Last 3 Months:
In the last weeks of pregnancy, discomforts like breathlessness, fatigue, increased size, and a downward pressure as the baby settles into the pelvis may again make sexual intercourse less comfortable.
Q. Does pregnancy affect a man’s sexual desire, needs and satisfaction?
A. Sometimes. A man may continue to find his pregnant partner sexually desirable and, in addition, find pregnancy especially arousing. The pregnant figure, to another, may be less attractive.
The latter reaction may be related to feelings of fear about harming the baby or causing early labour or miscarriage. (Labour or miscarriage does not happen as a result of intercourse.) A man may also feel left out when his pregnant partner receives more attention from friends, relatives, and even strangers. Feelings of rejection may grow if the woman is also disinterested in sex.
Suggestions
1. If intercourse is not advised or is uncomfortable, practise mutually satisfying caresses, body contact, or oral sex. Loving feelings may be expressed without penis/vagina intercourse.
2. Enjoy exploring other ways of touching and giving sexual pleasure to each other.
3. Be creative and find various positions that make intercourse more comfortable.
4. Identify feelings as they occur in your sexual relationship. Discussion and acceptance of each other’s feelings will contribute to closeness and help avoid misunderstandings.
read more :
Sex after pregnancy
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