Sex in pregnancy

To have a child, it takes sex. And so far so good. But what happens when a pregnancy is already underway?

Sexual activity is good for the body and mind. Several studies have been supporting this for some time now. During the sexual act, in fact, our body produces hormones and substances (such as endorphins) involved, for example, in the reduction of chronic pain, in strengthening the immune system, in reducing stress.

Practicing regular sexual activity also helps to cement the union in the couple, improving and deepening the relationship between the partners.

But what happens during a pregnancy?

Is it dangerous for the child?

The answer is no. Having sex during pregnancy does not endanger the baby in any way, since the fetus is enveloped by the placenta and amniotic fluid: the unborn child in the amniotic sac is isolated from the outside and “will not notice anything.”

Indeed. During sexual intercourse the pelvic muscles are supplied with a greater amount of blood: the placenta, the organ that nourishes and protects the fetus and that puts it in communication with the maternal organism, and therefore the baby, receive in this way much more oxygen. In addition, the contractions caused by orgasm strengthen the uterine muscle and prepare it to better cope with labor.

Does it serve the life of a couple?

Yes. Keeping sexuality active even during the sweet expectation is an important glue for the couple. The woman thus manages to feel still attractive and desired and, at the same time, the partner does not have the unpleasant feeling of being excluded from the special bond that already binds the mother to the child. In this way we continue to be a couple and maintain our identity as a man and woman, while approaching the time to acquire the new role of parents.

In addition, it avoids interrupting bodily communication between spouses: reconnecting it after childbirth, during the first period of maternity and after a long period of forced chastity is not always easy, especially because, once the child arrives, the moments to be alone are reduced.

Can it induce childbirth?

Towards the end of pregnancy, sexual activity and orgasm can induce contractions of the uterine musculature. In particular, the uterus could “harden”: it is a perfectly normal phenomenon, which has no side effects.

In case of discomfort, just apply relaxation and breathing techniques, or simply wait for the contraction to pass by itself.

Many couples fear that sex during pregnancy can cause an “accelerated” birth, but the truth is that the body follows its own timing, not dependent on whether or not sexual practices are carried out. In other words, if the contractions of childbirth begin during sex, it is a pure coincidence, and would have occurred in any case, with or without this activity.

In addition, it has long been claimed that sexual intercourse shortly before delivery can promote labor because male sperm contains a substance similar to prostaglandins (which stimulate uterine contractions and soften the cervix), but scientific studies conducted in this regard do not seem to confirm this effect.

And an abortion?

Again, the answer is no. Miscarriages only occur if the fetus is not developing properly, or are due to other factors.

But they have no connection with the sexual activity of the mother.

When is it better to avoid it?

There are rare situations in which sex during pregnancy could actually expose the woman to some risk.

For example, in case of heavy bleeding during gestation, due to a very thin placenta, since sexual activity could increase the risk of bleeding.

Sex is to be avoided even in case of water breakage, because it could favor the onset of vaginal infections and therefore could involve the fetus.

Sex is also not recommended if there are signs of a possible preterm birth (for example if the cervix is excessively dilated) or in case of hypercontractility of the uterus. Likewise, it should be suspended, in the first three months of pregnancy, if spontaneous abortions have already occurred in the past, in case of threat of abortion and if there are ongoing infections.

If the mother has been diagnosed with placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is in an abnormal position, usually near the cervix, intercourse should be avoided because it could facilitate placental abruption or bleeding. Even in the case of cervical cerclage (surgical practice that is carried out, during pregnancy, when the cervix does not remain closed, thus increasing the possibility of premature birth), sexual intercourse is generally not recommended: it could compromise the tightness of the cerclage itself.

Since every pregnancy is unique, it is important to consult your doctor or midwife. They will reassure you or suggest what methods to adopt to make your business risk-free under the sheets.

In all these cases, however, it is important to maintain communication with the partner, even physical: green light, therefore, to caresses, kisses, cuddles. They are a way to maintain intimacy even if sex is not recommended, so, after the birth of the baby and the puerperium (ie the period of 40 days after delivery), it will be easier to resume where you left off. In addition, they allow you to maintain that atmosphere of tranquility and serenity that benefits the unborn child so much.

How to do it?

That sex during pregnancy is safe in most cases does not mean that it is easy. The belly, in fact, poses several “logistical problems”.

Positions that were comfortable before pregnancy may no longer be comfortable during the nine months of waiting.

A good idea can therefore be to experiment with new positions. It can be more comfortable for the woman to be in a higher position, for example, because this reduces the pressure of the partner on the belly.

Alternatively, a good method is definitely to lie sideways, face to face or both facing in the same direction. Even in this case, in fact, the bulk of the belly is easily circumvented.

Depending on the weeks of pregnancy

From conception to childbirth many things change, especially in the organism of the future mother. The hormones are in turmoil, the body is transformed and it can happen that even the moods and libido of the woman change. As a result, depending on the trimester, sex life changes and requires a different approach.

During the first trimester, hormonal changes can cause a decrease in desire in the woman, especially if she is struggling with nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mood swings. But there are also women who, thanks to the attractiveness given by hormones, instead feel a strong sexual desire.

The second trimester is a magical time for intimacy. Hormones settle down and female mood also benefits. The forms become more rounding and in the pelvic area there is a greater blood supply that can favor and make orgasm more intense. As the shapes become more bursting it is better to avoid pressure on the belly: therefore, for the moment, forget above all the positions in which the weight of the man weighs on the future mother.

In the last trimester, the belly is even more evident and the weight of the baby becomes more demanding: the back begins to ache, the legs swell easily and the desire tends to decrease. The uterus lowers and, during penetration, the penis can touch its neck, very vascularized and fragile, causing small blood loss. Usually it is nothing serious, but it is advisable to inform the gynecologist.

Yes to effusions, cuddles, caresses, even intimate, which help to relax, while, as regards the complete relationship, the advice is to choose positions that, in addition to avoiding compression of the belly, allow a gentle penetration.

General precautions valid for all waiting

Sex during pregnancy must be sweet and delicate: in addition to the most acrobatic positions, even the most extreme practices are to be avoided.

The cervix, in the case of a physiological pregnancy, is normally tightly closed, but it is still advisable to avoid the insertion of any foreign body during erotic games, including lubricants.

The condom can be used, obviously not for contraceptive purposes, but to protect against any sexually transmitted diseases of the partner even if, in case of suspected infections of the partner, it would be more appropriate to give up the complete report or in any case seek the advice of the gynecologist.

First of all,… Talk!

The most important thing, in any case, is dialogue. Pregnancy is a particular moment, in which the balance of the relationship between the two partners varies significantly.

Nausea, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and breast pain can greatly reduce female desire.

The partner may then feel rejected or sidelined. Having an open dialogue allows you to stay connected and not let the unique experience of bringing a life into the world create distance and misunderstanding between the two.