Pregnancy Sex FAQ: 10 Common Questions Answered

Pregnancy comes with a plethora of doubts and questions. This is especially true for first-time expecting mums. A question that many expecting parents have is whether sex during pregnancy is safe.

Sex is a normal part of pregnancy if you don’t have any pregnancy related complications. Penetration and intercourse movements will not harm the foetus, who is protected by your abdomen and the muscular walls of the uterus. Moreover, your baby is cushioned by the amniotic sac’s fluid.

Some of the common questions are – ‘Will it lead to a miscarriage’?, ‘Will it harm the foetus’?, ‘Are there any sex positions that need to be avoided’? 

Here’s all that you need to know:

Pregnancy Sex: 10 Common Questions Answered

Can pregnancy affect the sex drive of my partner?

Your pregnancy might affect your partner’s sex drive for several reasons. These can include anxiety about having sex in the presence of the unborn child, concerns about you and the baby’s health, and worry that the intercourse might hurt the unborn baby.

It is important to communicate openly with each other and consult an expert for any concerns about having sex during pregnancy.

Will penetration hurt the pregnancy?

During penetration, the uterus might move a little bit and you would be able to feel it.

Studies show that the baby is super protected and has its own filter system that’s really selective about what goes in and comes out. Unless and until you’ve been instructed to have pelvic rest, sex is fine.

Pelvic rest can be prescribed for issues like incompetent cervix or placenta previa.

Will pregnancy sex cause miscarriage?

Miscarriages happen when the foetus does not developing normally. A 2011 study also concluded that sex doesn’t induce early labour in low-risk pregnancies.

It is advisable to use a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections or diseases like HIV or Herpes which can result in potential pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to early labour, miscarriage, and other serious health complications.

Can I bleed after having sex during pregnancy?

Your cervix becomes sensitive due to pregnancy changes, and can get irritated easily. This can lead to bleeding. You might notice spotting after sex, when you wipe, and possibly the next day too.

The spotting shouldn’t come and go, especially over days. If that happens, it might be a sign of placenta previa.

If you notice any other symptoms like sharp waves of pain, rectal pressure, or inconsistent bleeding, it could be an ectopic pregnancy. These are not because of sexual intercourse during pregnancy.

It’s always best to consult a doctor if you bleed after having sex during pregnancy.

Is it normal for sex to hurt during pregnancy?

Sensitive breasts and nipples can make interactions painful.

Blood flow and hormones can also make the clitoris highly sensitive. It is advisable not to be hard. Couples need to find the perfect ways to be intimate that work for them during the pregnancy.

Can different positions influence the sex of my baby?

There are some pregnancy myths about sex and gender. However, there’s no evidence behind such tales, including conception position, sexual positions during pregnancy, conception date, or time.

Is there any sexual behavior to avoid during pregnancy?

Oral sex should be avoided during pregnancy. An expecting woman must not allow her husband to blow air into the vaginal region. 

Blowing air into the vagina can cause an air embolism that can be serious for the mum as well as the baby.

Are there any sex positions that should be avoided?

You might need to play with positions, especially later in pregnancy, to find the one that’s comfortable for you.

It is advisable to avoid lying flat on your back in the missionary position after the fourth month of pregnancy so that you can avoid the weight of the growing baby constricting the major blood vessels.

When should I avoid sex during early Pregnancy?

It is advisable to avoid sex during early pregnancy if:

• You have a history of miscarriage or are pregnant with twins or multiples

• You feel nausea or fatigue

• You have cervical insufficiency, a condition wherein the cervix is not strong enough

• You have a low-lying placenta

• Your partner has Hepatitis B or genital herpes as it might get transmitted to the baby via your body

When can I start having sex after having my baby?

Usually doctors recommend that after delivery women should wait for at least six weeks. Many mums resume earlier too if the delivery is normal.

It is advisable to check with your doctor about when you can resume sex after giving birth.

Sex during pregnancy can be pleasurable like before. You need to be  cautious when you indulge in sexual intercourse. You can consult an expert if you have complications in your pregnancy. You can have a satisfying sex life even when you are pregnant if you communicate honestly with your partner about your likes and dislikes.

Also Read: Best Sex Positions After C-Section: What’s Safe And What’s Not