Is sex okay?

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Article Summary

It's what got you pregnant in the first place. But now that you're carrying when a baby is on the way, sex can be a cause of concern for some couples. Many fear that sex will either harm the baby or bring on premature labour. Rest assured: if there are no complications in your pregnancy and everything is progressing normally, sex is safe and can be very enjoyable.

 How Orgasm Affects the Uterus and Cervix

 The Joys of Sex During Pregnancy

 What Your Partner May Be Feeling

 When to avoid sex during pregnancy

 Does sex cause labour to start? 

How Orgasm Affects the Uterus and Cervix

Your uterus does contract during an orgasm, but these mild contractions are not dangerous, nor are they a sign of labour. You may even feel your baby kicking after sex in response to the rocking motion she felt from the contractions. This is completely normal , and no cause for alarm. 

You may occasionally notice some spotting after intercourse. Spotting after sex can occur more easily readily during pregnancy because the cervix is more vascular - in other words, it becomes rich with blood vessels. If the position you have sex in causes during sex there is direct contact between the penis and your cervix, and a few of these blood vessels may break. If the spotting continues after a couple of hours or increases in amount, let your doctor or midwife know. And if you've been having some bleeding during your pregnancy, avoid intercourse until your doctor can determine the cause.

The Joys of Sex During Pregnancy

One wonderful thing about having sex during pregnancy is that you don't have to worry about contraception! Seriously, many women find this liberating and can enjoy sex more. You may also discover that your desire, or libido, increases because of the rise in pregnancy hormones (once you get through the first- trimester discomforts, of course). Some pregnant women even experience an orgasm - or multiple orgasms - for the first time.

On the other hand, you may feel less sexual. Or you may find that your libido is more erratic than before, due to intense emotions and physical changes. In the last weeks of pregnancy, your interest in sex may decline because of physical discomforts related to the size of the baby. Finding a comfortable position for sex can also be challenging during the last weeks.

What Your Partner May Be Feeling

Pregnancy changes sex for men, as well. Even if you've assured your partner that sex doesn't hurt the baby, he may still feel resistant or uncomfortable. Some men feel as though the baby is a "third person" in the bed, watching! Others may even see their partners as more maternal and less sexual when they're pregnant, a perception that can decrease desire. Many men, however, see their partners as exceptionally beautiful and sensual during pregnancy.

The thing to remember is that there is no normal pattern of sexuality during pregnancy; it varies with each couple. It's important to talk honestly with your partner. If you're not "in the mood for sex," you can enjoy intimacy in other ways - showering together, giving each other massages, or cuddling up to watch a favourite movie. And if you do have specific concerns, don't be afraid to talk with your midwife or doctor. That's what we're here for! 

When to avoid sex during pregnancy

If you have any significant bleeding (more than light spotting) you should avoid sex until the cause has been determined. If the placenta is lying low in the uterus, sex may provoke further bleeding and your midwife will advise against penetrative sex. 

If the membranes rupture early in pregnancy you will be at high risk of premature delivery. Again you must see your midwife and you may be admitted to hospital. However even if you are allowed home you should avoid penetration. 

Finally, some people worry that sex may actually cause premature labour. There is no good evidence that it does, but if you have suffered a premature birth before, you may prefer to play safe and avoid penetration this time. 

Does sex cause labour to start? 

In theory it might, but in practice it will only do so if labour was just about to start anyway. One of the hormones that causes the cervix to soften and the womb to contract in labour, is found in semen. It is called prostaglandin after the prostate gland, which makes semen. However, the dose required to induce labour is much higher than the amount in a single ejaculate. Nevertheless many couples, who are impatient for labour to start, have sex in the hope that it will. Even if it doesn't work, it's fun anyway!
First-person voice at very end strikes odd note. Make 3rd person?

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