Pregnant women often wonder if sex is safe for them and  their unborn child. Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe for both you and your baby. Your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid, your abdomen and the muscular uterine wall as well the mucus plug which seals your cervix and  protects against infection.

Contraction during orgasm is not the same as labor contraction so there should be no problem.

When is sex during pregnancy not safe ?

Pregnant women who are considered high risk are advised not to have sex . Some of the reasons why you may be asked not to have intercourse include the following :

• history of miscarriage
• history of premature labor and birth
• if your amniotic sac is leaking or raptured
• if you have incompetent cervix
• if you have placenta previa
•  if you experience unexplained vaginal bleeding, cramping  or discharge
• if you or your partner have any  sexually transmitted disease
• if you are expecting multiples

 
Be sure to ask your doctor what no sex means. It may include sexual arousal or  orgasm, not just  intercourse.

What is the best sexual position during pregnancy ?

As long as you are comfortable, most positions are okay.  You  may want to experiment to find out which position is more comfortable as pregnancy progresses. Lying sideways to your partner, positioning yourself on top of your partner or in front of your partner may be better than lying on your back. You can stick with a position as long as there is mutual pleasure and  comfort.

Is oral sex and anal sex okay during pregnancy ?

Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. You should however let your partner know not to blow air into your vagina. This rarely may result in air embolism which is the blockage of blood vessels by a burst of air. This could be life threatening for both you and your baby.

Anal sex on the other hand is not generally recommended during pregnancy. It may be uncomfortable especially if you have pregnancy related hemorrhoids. It may also introduce bacteria into the vagina from the anus.

How soon can I have sex after my baby is born ?

Your body will need time to heal whether you had a C-section or delivered vaginally. Most health care providers recommend that you wait for about 4 to 6 weeks before resuming intercourse. This will allow your cervix to close and other tears or repaired episiotomy  to heal.

When you are ready to have sex, take it slowly and use a reliable type of contraceptive to prevent any unwanted pregnancies.

Points  to take note

Breast become bigger and tender or sore during pregnancy. It is therefore better to avoid direct nipple stimulation. Tell your partner to explore other parts of your body or find other ways to caress you.

The missionary position may be uncomfortable during pregnancy. Lying sideways to your partner, on top or in front of him may be more convenient for you.

Your sex drive may decrease as a result of hormonal fluctuation, exhaustion or weight gain issues. Sometimes you just need to relax and regain your energy before resuming intercourse.

Increased blood flow to the pelvic areas can lead to engorged genitals and heighten sensation. This can be quite uncomfortable for some women.