Sex in pregnancy
Unless your doctor tells
you otherwise, it is perfectly safe
for you to have sex throughout your pregnancy.
However, towards the expected birth date, your
size may make many positions uncomfortable for
you. Penetration may be easiest if you lie on your
side and your partner enters from behind. Oral
sex and mutual masturbation should cause no
problems. Some women fear that sexual activity
or orgasm may trigger off labor but sex cannot
induce labor unless the baby is due anyway,
when the prostaglandin present in the man's
semen may cause it to start.
The sex drive of some
women decreases during the first
trimester of pregnancy. This may be due to
tiredness and nausea, or to a hidden belief that it
is 'not right' for a mother to enjoy sex. The
problem will usually disappear of its own accord.
In some women, the sex drive actually increases
during the middle three months (the second
trimester) of pregnancy, and some claim that
their lovemaking is more satisfying than ever
before. This may be because the high level of
circulating hormones means that a woman can
be stimulated more easily and reach a pitch of
sexual excitement more quickly than when not
pregnant. A pregnant woman's sexual organs
breasts, nipples and genitals - are especially
highly developed, which probably increases
sexual awareness. Finally, there is of course
complete freedom from the worry of getting
pregnant, which allows a deeper level of 'letting
go'.
Some women and their
partners worry that sex may harm
the unborn child, but such fears are groundless.
The fetus is protected from infection by the plug
of mucus at the neck of the womb. In rare cases,
infection can occur, but this is usually due to lack
of normal hygiene precautions or having sex with
several different partners. The baby is also
protected against being squashed by the
amniotic fluid in which it floats in the womb. Avoid
over-athletic sex because it will be uncomfortable
for you, but don't worry about hurting the baby.
Sex should not cause a miscarriage in a normal,
healthy pregnancy.
You can resume sex after
childbirth as soon as it is comfortable to do so.
Women who have had an episiotomy (in which
the perineurn is cut to facilitate birth), will
probably feel sore for at least three weeks. When
you feel confident that your wound has healed,
begin to re-establish your sex life, taking it slowly
and gently and using a lubricating jelly if
necessary to prevent scar tissue causing
discomfort or pain. It is important to establish
sexual contact with your partner as soon as you
can, as you will both need to get close again. If
you still feel sore, remember there are other ways
of giving and receiving affection. Don't let your
partner feel that you are lavishing all your care
and attention on your baby and excluding him
from your love.