Sex and Pregnancy

When a person is pregnant, they often find themselves in a world filled with old wives’ tales and myths. It would seem that no topic remains untouched, and sex during pregnancy is no exception. This causes pregnant people wondering whether or not to have sex while they are pregnant. The main concern is how sex will affect their unborn child. 

Further, it does not do pregnant people any good that there are myths that discourage one from having sex during pregnancy. Medically, there is no reason for one not to have sex during pregnancy if the pregnancy is proceeding as expected. So let us look at what affects intimacy during pregnancy, and hopefully assuage any concerns one may have about having sex while they are pregnant. 

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Before we proceed any further, let us be clear, you CAN have sex while you are pregnant. Biologically, the developing fetus is quite safe and snug in the womb. The amniotic fluid and the thickened uterine wall provide the appropriate cushioning for the fetus, as well the closed cervix ensures that nothing from the outside penetrates into the womb. 

This means that having sex will not affect the developing baby in any way. Sometimes, a person can have underlying medical conditions that would put them and their baby at risk if they do engage in sex while pregnant. In such circumstances, a professional healthcare provider may suggest abstinence from sex, to ensure that the pregnancy proceeds to term safely.

Sex and Pregnancy

When one is pregnant, the hormones released in the body to sustain the pregnancy often interfere with the normal sex drive of a person. Additionally, as the pregnancy progresses and the belly grows bigger, some of the regular sexual positions may  not be as comfortable or conducive. 

As hormones are released during pregnancy, some people's sexual drive diminishes, while others experience a significant elevation in their libido. Some people may experience a roller coaster in their sexual drive, while others may be completely put off by sex altogether. This means that because sexual desire varies drastically, the frequency and enjoyment of sex will also be affected. 

Due to this unpredictability, one needs to pay close attention to the changes their body is going through. As well, keeping your partner abreast of what is going on in your body will enable the both of you to navigate through the changes and adjust sexual intimacy accordingly. That being said, let us explore some of the ways in which sexual desire is affected throughout pregnancy.

Sex During the First Trimester

In the first trimester, the body goes through very many changes as it adjusts to carrying new life. One of these changes is the embryo implanting itself onto the uterine wall. This typically will cause some spotting or light bleeding after having sex. 

Naturally, there could be concerns that this type of bleeding could be an indicator of something wrong with the pregnancy. However, if this occurs within the first 12 weeks, it is a normal a occurrence experienced by one in every four pregnancies.

During sex and after climax, the uterus typically contracts. This could cause cramping during sex and after climax and if you do not have any underlying conditions that could cause you to be at risk for preterm birth then the cramping should not be cause for concern.

Sex During the Second Trimester

Once the major symptoms of early pregnancy, such as nausea and morning sickness diminish in the second trimester, usually a pregnant person will find themselves with an improved appetite and higher energy levels. As well, sleep becomes much more restful. 

Due to the reduced bodily discomfort and psychologically adjusting to being pregnant, one becomes more comfortable engaging in sexual activities. At this point, the new adjustment is navigating around an increasingly growing baby bump. What quickly emerges is that some positions are more comfortable and easier to sustain than others.  

Sex During the Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy brings with it some unique ‘plot twists’ such as leaky breasts. It is quite normal for a person to have leaking breasts during and after having sex. It is also normal in the third semester for breasts to leak even without sexual activity. This occurs because the breasts are preparing themselves to produce milk, and the liquid itself is called colostrum.

In this trimester, the cervix can be particularly sensitive, and this could cause minor bleeding when sex is vigorous. If the bleeding resolves itself quickly, then there is no cause for concern. It is also normal to have concerns about early labor when bleeding occurs close to one’s due date. Rest assured that medically, having sex is not the cause of early labor, and one can have sex right up to the weeks before giving birth. 

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

It is important to note that there are cases in which having sex during pregnancy could put both mother and child at risk. A professional medicare provider may recommend abstaining from sex under the following circumstances:

• When a person is experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding;
• If a person’s medical history notes preterm labor or premature birth
• If the amniotic fluid is leaking 
• If the placenta is covering the cervix, either partially or fully. The condition is known as placenta previa 
• If the cervix begins to dilate prematurely. This is medically known as cervical incompetence 

In Conclusion

When one becomes pregnant there are no symptoms or indicators of how their libido will be affected. As it is, pregnancy does have a way of taking a toll not only physically, but psychologically. Therefore in order to maintain intimacy sexually, it is important to consistently have open and honest communication with your partner. 

If you do have additional concerns about engaging in sexual activities when you are pregnant, do contact our team at Los Angeles Reproductive Center. Our team is both professional and compassionate in ensuring that you have the best personalized care as you build your family.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages

Not at all. There is no medical evidence to support sex in and of itself being the cause of miscarriages. In normal pregnancies, miscarriages occur as a result of physiological issues that prevent the fetus from properly developing in its early stages. 

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

Again, in and of itself, sex is not the cause of early labor. One can have sex throughout their pregnancy. Even in the weeks leading to the delivery date, one can still enjoy sex.

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

Any sexual positions that put pressure or weight on the pregnant partner’s belly should generally be avoided. Apart from that, one can have sex in any position that is comfortable for both them and their partner.