Is sex safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, almost all women are wondering: Is it possible to have sex during this period and can it adversely affect the future child? Someone decides this question negatively, and completely refuses from intimate relations, well, someone continues to live a sexual life, despite their "interesting" situation. And of course, only a specialist can tell you how to proceed exactly in your case. It is not a secret for anyone that pregnancy and childbirth have a certain effect on sexual relations. Let us consider in more detail all the changes taking place in this period. Whether sex is safe during pregnancy is the topic of our article.

As a rule, doctors do not recommend to have sex under certain circumstances, for example, if there is a threat of abortion, no pregnancy, the presence of vaginal bleeding, the possibility of premature birth, leakage of amniotic fluid, low placenta or a genital tract infection in one of the partners. In all other cases, there are no restrictions on the continuation of intimate relationships. And recent scientific studies prove that in some cases, sex is simply necessary.

Here are some positive aspects of sex during pregnancy:

  1. There are some prejudices that during sexual intercourse it is possible to damage the future child. In fact, this is not so, the kid is hidden under several layers, protecting it from any danger. Anterior abdominal wall with muscles and with several fat layers, as well as thick connective tissue; the uterus itself, which consists of muscles, the fetal membrane, a fetal bladder filled with water - all this smooths out any vibrations, and finally, a mucous plug that tightly closes the cervix.
  2. During sex with a loved one, the woman's body produces hormones of pleasure, which also have a positive effect on the child.
  3. With prolonged abstinence, a pregnant woman begins to accumulate negative emotions.
  4. During pregnancy, there is no need to protect yourself.
  5. The sperm contains enzymes and male hormones (prostaglandins), which have a positive effect, they help the cervix soften, which in turn will help her to open up better during labor.
  6. During sex, there is a contraction of the muscles of the uterus, which serves as a kind of training fights during childbirth, allowing you to avoid weak labor activity. In addition, if there is enough male hormones, the uterus will quickly open up.
  7. During and after orgasm, the uterus begins to contract, and there is no threat to the unborn child. It should be noted that if the uterus is not yet ready for childbirth, then its contractions during orgasm can not cause the onset of labor. But if the duration of pregnancy is already quite large, then this will provoke the beginning of fights. That's why some doctors advise having sex, as a mild beginning of labor for 39 to 40 weeks.

It is impossible to say exactly whether sexual desire during pregnancy will fade or increase on the contrary. All this depends on many factors, including sexual activity in a woman before pregnancy, as well as from fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy. On this score, there is a popular sign: if a woman expects a boy, then the level of sexuality is high (most likely the reason for this may be a high number of "male" hormones), and if the girl is waiting, then it's low. Some women note a very sharp increase in sexual desire, which can grow with the increase in the period of pregnancy. In this case, this period can be remembered as the most beautiful, both for a woman and a man. Do not think that you are doing something shameful, but rather take advantage of the moment while you are at the peak of sexuality.

It is likely that during pregnancy, the desire can fade or disappear altogether. This behavior is understandable, since during this period the hormone of calm begins to develop, the entire body of the woman is tuned for future motherhood. To that, when waiting for the first-born, a woman may feel fear because of her new position, as well as fear of childbirth. Under such circumstances, a man can be recommended to change his approach to his wife, and will be rebuilt for a more platonic relationship. It is necessary to treat a pregnant woman with the maximum patience and tenderness, to try to show her attention and affection as often as possible. Most often, the sexual behavior of a pregnant woman can be described as a parabola. The first three months of interest in sex begins to subside, the next three months - exacerbated, and in the last three months - again declining. Because of what is this happening? Very often it turns out that in the first trimester a woman weakens due to the onset of toxicosis and the appearance of nausea, general poor health, fatigue, constant mood changes (uncaused tears, anxiety), drawing pains in the chest.

In the second trimester, fears and anxieties gradually begin to recede. Improves overall health, and as a result, sexual desire increases. Most doctors respond positively to sex in this period, since the fetus in the uterus has finally been fixed, and new hormonal outbursts in the body are not foreseen. In the last trimester, desires are declining. For the most part, this is due to the physical discomfort of the pregnant woman, the big belly can hamper embraces, and also cause discomfort during intimacy with the husband. It is possible and the appearance of pain during intimacy. The emotional state of a woman changes, there is a fear of approaching births, before the unknown.

Features of "pregnant" sex

But besides a woman, a man can also experience a decrease in sexual desire, especially in the last months of pregnancy. Such a state can arise because of a feeling of concern with the new position for him, awareness of the changes in life, and the need to deal with the most common problems associated with buying a crib, stroller, clothes for a future baby, the need to do repairs in an apartment, etc. Although very much depends on the sexual activity of both partners. But in any case, in this period it is necessary to be prepared for the fact that it may be necessary to reduce the number of contacts a little, and also to revise the chosen poses.

There are only a few prohibitions in sex for a pregnant woman:

  1. In no case can not engage in cunnilingus (oral sex, accompanied by stimulation of the vagina).
  2. It is strictly forbidden to have sex with new partners, since there is a danger of contracting an infection.

If during the delivery there were no problems, for example, incisions or ruptures of the perineum, as well as there was no surgical intervention, then it is recommended to abstain from sex within 6 to 8 weeks. If you do not want to endure such a long period, you can wait, at least the end of the blood discharge. It is also necessary to know that if a woman is breastfeeding, during excitement, milk can begin to flow out of the nipples, and it may be necessary to use additional lubricant. To avoid unnecessary problems, you should consult your doctor also about further contraception. There is a misconception that when breastfeeding, you can not become pregnant. This is not the case, the work of the ovaries can be restored and during this period, and at the first after the birth of ovulation a new pregnancy may occur. All the above said about sex during pregnancy can be characterized by one phrase: "Sex during pregnancy and after childbirth - you can, it is necessary, but with care and tenderness."