Couples may wonder whether it is safe to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Sexuality during pregnancy is a different experience and requires attention. Sexual intercourse is generally not recommended by experts in the early stages of pregnancy and in the last month. However, in general, sexuality can be considered safe in low-risk pregnancies and during periods deemed appropriate by the doctor. You can find more comprehensive answers to questions such as “Does sex during pregnancy harm the baby?” and “What should be considered about sexual intercourse during pregnancy?” in the rest of the article.
Things You Should Pay Attention to About Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy
Sexual life can continue in a pregnancy that does not pose any risk, but there are some factors that need to be taken into consideration. In some pregnancies, situations may arise where sexual intercourse may be risky. Some of the issues to be considered regarding sexuality during pregnancy are:
• Consult a doctor: It is important to consult a doctor about sexuality, as it may be in many cases from the beginning of pregnancy. The expectant mother’s existing medical conditions or complications arising from pregnancy may prevent her from continuing to have sex.
• Gestational week: Symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness and fatigue in the first 3 months of pregnancy, called the first trimester, and weight gain and the prominence of the belly in the last 3 months may lead to sexual reluctance and worsen symptoms. Since the 2nd trimester is more comfortable, it may be recommended to have sexual intercourse during these weeks.
• Communicating with the partner: It is an important factor for partners to communicate with each other throughout pregnancy. Particularly paying attention to the wishes and expectations of the expectant mother and providing emotional support and understanding may be necessary for both the healthy progress of the pregnancy and the continuity of sexual life.
• Using a condom: Using a condom during pregnancy can protect the expectant mother against medical problems that may arise from her partner. By using a condom, protection can be provided against sexually transmitted diseases and the risks of genital fungus, genital warts or other infections.
• Determining the correct position: In the later weeks of pregnancy, the feeling of discomfort may increase with the growing abdomen. A comfortable position during sexual intercourse is important for both the health of the baby and the comfort of the expectant mother. Especially from the 4th month onwards, sleeping on your back can narrow the blood vessels due to the weight of the baby. Instead, choosing the side position may be a more beneficial technique for health and comfort.
For concerns and questions about sexual intercourse during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. In addition, good communication between spouses is important for a healthy process.
Is Sexuality Safe During Pregnancy?
Sex during pregnancy is considered safe under normal conditions and does not pose a risk to the baby. Sexual intercourse does not harm the baby, who is protected by the amniotic fluid and the muscular walls of the abdomen and uterus. However, a ban may be imposed by the doctor in the presence of special conditions detected during pregnancy follow-up and determined by the history taken from the expectant mother. Some of the situations where sexual intercourse is not recommended during pregnancy may include:
• History of miscarriage or premature birth: A pregnant woman’s history of miscarriage, forced abortion or premature birth in previous pregnancies can be considered as factors that restrict sexuality in order to prevent these situations from happening again.
• Twin or multiple pregnancy: Being pregnant with twins or more than one baby requires extra care and sensitivity. More pressure on the cervix in multiple pregnancies can cause the cervix to stretch, which can trigger premature birth. In such sensitive conditions, doctors may limit or prohibit sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may indicate risky situations. It may be necessary to avoid sexual intercourse due to the risk of this condition.
• Problems with amniotic fluid: Decrease in amniotic fluid or fluid leakage may pose a risk for the baby. Having sexual intercourse in the presence of such a situation may pose a problem for the course of the pregnancy.
• Sexually transmitted diseases: One of the couples has Hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, etc. The risk of any sexually transmitted disease or being an active carrier may be among the important factors restricting sexuality.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain: Pain in the abdominal or pelvic area during pregnancy may be a sign of a problematic pregnancy. Sexual intercourse in such a situation may make the symptoms worse.
• Cervical problems: Problems such as the cervix starting to open in the early stages of pregnancy or the placenta partially or completely covering the cervical opening may be problems that prevent sexual intercourse.
Each pregnancy progresses differently and the issue of sexuality during pregnancy is evaluated individually. With the recommendations of the doctor who monitors the pregnancy, sexual life can be planned, giving priority to the health of the mother and baby.
Does Sex During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Sex during pregnancy is generally not a situation that harms the baby. Expectant parents may often be concerned about the baby’s condition during sexual intercourse and what harm sexual intercourse may cause to the baby. However, the amniotic fluid that the baby contains protects the baby against possible risks that may come from outside. In addition, the thick and muscular wall of the uterus can provide a natural protection shield to protect the baby well. In general, if there is no risky pregnancy and the relevant doctor does not recommend otherwise, sexuality during pregnancy can be considered safe.
Frequently asked Questions
Although pregnancy is a sensitive period, sexuality can be considered a natural part of this situation if necessary care is taken. Some other questions and answers that expectant couples are curious about are as follows:
In what cases should sexual intercourse be limited?
Although sexuality during pregnancy is not generally considered risky, in some circumstances it may be necessary to limit sexual intercourse or pause it until birth. Some of these situations may include the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, placenta problems, premature opening of the cervix, vaginal bleeding, discharge, pain problems or multiple pregnancies. Consulting a doctor before having sexual intercourse during pregnancy can prevent possible risks that may arise from this situation.
Does Sexual Desire Change During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can cause many physical and emotional changes in women, as well as differences in sexual desire. Pregnant women’s sexual drive may increase or decrease from time to time. For example, while sexual desire decreases due to complaints such as nausea, dizziness and fatigue in the first periods, sexual desire may increase towards the middle of pregnancy due to getting used to pregnancy and the effect of increased blood flow.
Is Bleeding After Sexual Intercourse Normal During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the blood vessels in the cervix become more prominent than normal and the uterus grows. These situations can also trigger vaginal bleeding, but minimal bleeding after sexual intercourse during pregnancy can be normal. However, considering the sensitivity of the process, it should not be forgotten that even if there is a small amount of bleeding, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional.
Is There a Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections During Pregnancy?
There is a risk of sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases such as Hepatitis B, HIV, HPV, syphilis and chlamydia can cause serious complications in the mother and baby. In order to be protected from such diseases during pregnancy, it is necessary to know whether the partner has these diseases, to use condoms during sexual intercourse and to have regular medical check-ups.