What Happens When You Have Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most incredible things to happen to a woman, and as a mother, you may have questions about your child’s safety while trying to satisfy your needs. Or you may want enlightenment on the dos and don’ts of pregnancy and sex.
Having sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most women, and it may come with several benefits, such as increased intimacy between partners and stress relief. Your baby is also well-protected within the amniotic sac and strong muscles of the uterus. However, there are some key points and considerations to keep in mind:
Orgasm
Orgasms are more intense during pregnancy and may trigger contractions in the body, but they are not the same as labor contractions or pain. Instead, it is known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
Sex is discouraged during the last days/weeks of pregnancy because semen may stimulate contractions. But if you are looking to induce labour, you may want to have sex during this time. However, this opinion has caused widespread debate amongst doctors, so you might want to take this with a grain of salt.
The trimester Breakdown
First trimester
The first trimester is one of the most sensitive stages of pregnancy. During this period, you may start experiencing pregnancy symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue. These symptoms may negatively impact your libido.
Second trimester
You may experience increased libido, and sometimes, it may even be more intense than it was before.
Third trimester
As your pregnancy progresses, you need to adapt your sex positions accordingly. The second trimester requires only a bit of an adjustment, while the third requires the most adjustment.
From the second trimester, you should avoid laying on your back as this position could block significant blood vessels due to the baby’s weight.
To achieve a relatively pleasurable position, you may have to
- Get on top or lay on your side,
- Get on your hands and knees,
- Stand up or do the doggy style to avoid such complications.
- You can also sit at the end of the bed and get your partner to kneel or stand in front of you.
Sperm and pregnancy
Suppose you are worried about getting pregnant while being pregnant. Then you don’t have to be; this is because the amniotic sac protects the baby, and sperm cannot breach the sac. Increased levels of progesterone also render the sperm inactive.
However, there have been super rare cases of having another conception known as superfetation. This is unlikely, so there is no need to worry.
Important considerations
You may experience dryness, so it is best to get a lubricant to avoid painful friction. Some people experience wetness, so study your body.
Additionally, if sex seems to be too much for you to bear, you can look into other forms of intimacy like cuddling, masturbation, kissing, and different forms of foreplay.
You can also use a sex toy, but ensure you properly clean it after each use to prevent an infection.
Avoid unprotected sex if you are unsure of your partner’s sexual health; this is because STIs and STDs could affect your health and that of your baby adversely.
Consult Your Doctor Before Sex During Pregnancy If You Have:
- A high-risk pregnancy
- Heavy unexplained bleeding
- Multiple Gestation: Carrying twins, triplets, or more may require adjustments to intimacy.
- History of preterm labor and birth (less than 37 weeks)
- Leaking amniotic fluid and sex could lead to infections
- Cervical issues
- Placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix)
- Severe Cramping: Semen can sometimes trigger cramping, so consult your doctor if it’s excessive.
- History and risk of miscarriage
After giving birth, here is what to note about sex after pregnancy
Typically, it is 5 to 6 weeks postpartum, but this depends on whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. A vaginal delivery tear warrants you waiting a little longer.
You might want to wait longer for the following reasons:
Postpartum bleeding, abdominal incisions from a caesarean birth, sore breasts, and newborn fatigue.
You can also ease back into it with other forms of intimacy that do not involve penetrative sex. Also, get a water lubricant because there have been many reports of vaginal dryness after childbirth.
