Sex during pregnancy is a topic that many women wonder about but are afraid to ask. Some women may be embarrassed to talk about sex with someone other than their partner, and some women may be embarrassed by how little they know about sex and pregnancy. The lack of communication on this sensitive topic has given rise to many misconceptions and myths around pregnancy and sex.
One of the most common myths surrounding sex and pregnancy is that sex can cause miscarriage. The fact is that most miscarriages are caused by biological problems with the mother or biological problems with the baby; sex will not cause a risk of miscarriage if a woman has a normal, healthy pregnancy. There are situations that can occur during pregnancy when sex should be avoided, and some of them include: if a woman is pregnant with more than one baby, if the cervix begins to open prematurely during pregnancy, if a unexplained vaginal bleeding, if the woman is at risk of preterm labor, or if there is a problem with the placenta.
Another common myth surrounding sex and pregnancy is that orgasms can cause premature labor. The facts are that a woman’s orgasm can cause uterine contractions, but these are the same contractions felt during labor. Numerous studies have shown that in a normal pregnancy, orgasms will not result in premature labor or birth. Myths surrounding sexual positions and the effect they can have on the baby are also prevalent. Keep in mind that your baby is protected by two things: amniotic fluid and your cervical cap. No matter what kind of position you have sex in, your partner’s penis cannot touch or injure the baby. Sexual positions of any kind are safe during most of pregnancy; there is a warning about having sex on your back in the last trimester, as this position can decrease blood flow to the mother and cause dizziness or fainting.
There are also many myths about how women feel about sex during pregnancy. There is a misconception that seems to be common in many movies and TV shows; the misconception centers around the idea that women often feel sexy during pregnancy and that women are more inclined to want more sex than usual during pregnancy. The facts are that the feelings surrounding sex and pregnancy are different for every woman.
Some women feel especially sexual during their first trimester, while other women are so sick with morning sickness that they don’t want to be touched by a ten-foot pole. Most women in their last trimester feel heavy and bloated and don’t feel like having sex at all; although some women report feeling more sexual in their last trimester than in any of the others. Some women like to have sex while pregnant and some don’t. What matters is what feels good to you. If you don’t want to have sex during pregnancy, don’t; there is nothing wrong with that, just like there is nothing wrong with wanting to have sex during pregnancy too.
It is important for women to talk with their doctors about their feelings and questions about sex and pregnancy. If a woman has concerns about her pregnancy and how sex can affect the pregnancy, then she should also discuss this with her doctor. Remember that the doctors have heard it all; Nothing will surprise or embarrass them, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and share her concerns. Always be sure to keep up with routine appointments and check-ups to make sure her pregnancy is progressing safely and normally.
