This is often something that couples can feel embarrassed to ask about, particularly with close friends or family. The good news is that sex in pregnancy is perfectly safe! The exception to this is if your doctor or midwife has advised you not to due to medical reasons.

The act of intercourse does not harm your baby. It does not go beyond your vagina and your baby is safe in the uterus, separated by the cervix. Your baby does not know you are having sex, and having an orgasm will not affect the pregnancy. In late pregnancy an orgasm might bring on Braxton Hicks contractions, which is completely normal. These are contractions of your uterus that tone the muscles in your uterus, in preparation for birth.

However, if you have had a pregnancy complication or miscarriage in the past, you may be far more nervous about intimate relationships, especially in the first trimester. This is completely understandable. If you have had some bleeding in pregnancy, you will be advised to avoid intercourse (and tampon use) until after the bleeding stops. Some women find everything much more sensitive and want to wait until the strong early pregnancy symptoms have settled. The tiredness and nausea in the first trimester can simply make you feel less interested in sex. However there are other ways of being loving with your partner other than intercourse. Talking to your partner about how you feel is really important.

There are some circumstances when you may be advised to avoid intercourse later in pregnancy. Examples are having a low lying placenta, vaginal bleeding, if your membranes (waters) have ruptured or if there have been problems with your cervix, such as a previous premature labour. Your doctor and midwife will always offer advice for your personal circumstances.

Although sex in pregnancy is perfectly safe if can become more challenging as your bump grows; changing position can make sex more comfortable. You might find that you find sex more enjoyable during pregnancy. Again, discussing this with your partner will help you be comfortable with whatever you choose or choose not to do. Some couples find sex in pregnancy better as they are not worrying about getting pregnant when they don’t want to, as they already are!

The most important thing is to do what is right for you, taking into account your emotional and physical feelings, and sharing these with your partner.

Angela Nicholson, Nurse Practitioner

 

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