Whats Safe and Unsafe:Sex

Is it safe to continue having sex during pregnancy?

The majority of couples can still have sexual intercourse during their pregnancy. Your baby is surrounded and cushioned by amniotic fluid, and protected by your uterus and a layer of muscles. And the mucus plug inside your cervix helps guard against infection. Sex during pregnancy can be more enjoyable, even if your are doing it less. There is an increase in vaginal lubrication, engorgment of the genital area helps some people become orgasmic for the first time or multi-orgasmic, the lack of birth control, or if you have been trying for awhile, a return to sex as pleasure as opposed to procreational, and other reasons. On the other hand there are reasons why sex might not be as pleasurable: fear of hurting the baby, nausea, fatigue, awkwardness, etc. While women may feel large and uncomfortable, men generally find the pregnant body very erotic and desirable. It is important that you and your partner discuss the feelings you each have abouut sex. Even if sex is not an option, there are many other way of fullfilling the intimate desieres. More cuddling, romantic dinners, kissing, mutual masturbation and other intimate likings are all possibilities.

Third Trimester Sex:
It is is generally safe to engage in sexual intercourse during the third trimester. It is not safe if you're bleeding or have a placenta that's in front of the baby's head--placenta previa. With placenta previa, if the penis comes in contact with the cervix or you have contractions as a result of orgasm, it can traumatize the placenta and cause significant enough bleeding that you lose the pregnancy. Also you shouldn't have sex if your membranes are ruptured (water breaks) because then the baby is no longer protected against any possible infection. It's also risky to have sex if it's early in your third trimester and you're having premature labor or you have a short cervix, because an orgasm can stimulate contractions. But if you're having a healthy normal pregnancy there's no risk, though as you get larger, it may be uncomfortable, requiring you to be creative about your position.

Anal Sex:
Anal sex during pregnancy is usually safe as well. However, if you have hemorrhoids, remember that they tend to become larger during pregnancy. And if your hemorrhoids are bleeding and you have anal sex, you can lose a considerable amount of blood, which can endanger you and your baby. You should never go from anal to vaginal sex without cleaning up first and changing condoms if you're using one -- otherwise you put yourself at risk for bacterial vaginitis, and there's some concern that this infection can cause preterm labor or make your water break early. Also, unless you're in a monogamous relationship and know that you and your partner are HIV-negative, you should use a condom, because HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are transmitted through broken skin.

Oral Sex:
Licking the vagina is fine, but it's not safe to blow into the genital area. Forcing or blowing air into the vaginal and urethral areas is very dangerous. Theoretically, if your partner blew hard enough, it could cause an embolism (bubble of air) to develop in a blood vessel in that area, and that could be lethal for you or the baby. Giving oral sex is also okay as long as you are comfortable. There's no danger to the baby from swallowing semen. As long as you're in a monogamous relationship and know that your partner is free of STDs, there's no risk. If your partner is HIV-positive, it's not safe because the virus is present in semen, and you and your baby could become infected if you swallow it.

Vibrators And Dildos:
It's generally safe to use a dildo during pregnancy. You do want to be extra careful not to penetrate too forcefully since plastic is more rigid than flesh. If you have placenta previa, using a sex toy (or, for that matter, having intercourse) could traumatize the placenta and cause heavy bleeding that could jeopardize your pregnancy. If you're at risk for premature labor, having an orgasm could cause contractions. And if your water has broken, there's a risk of infection to the baby. In any case, make sure the dildo is clean, and don't share it without cleaning it. If you're having a healthy pregnancy, it's safe to use a vibrator. But if you're at risk for preterm labor, it can be risky to have an orgasm since it can stimulate contractions.

Lubricants:
Although very safe, you may find that you dont need an additional lubricanat during pregnacy. Your cervix is plugged with mucus during pregnancy so there's no danger of the lubricant getting up to the baby. Just make sure it's water-based if you're using condoms since petroleum-based products will put holes in them.

When Not To Have Sex:

If you are experiencing preterm labor
If you have placenta previa
When your water breaks
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Abdominal cramping
Cervical insufficiency
A dilated cervix
Outbreak of genital herpes
STD's

Comments: Whats Safe and Unsafe - Sex

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lizzie287 - 384 days ago.
tejay - I had sex until the day before I had my daughter. We had to get creative with positions mind you, but it was still pleasurable forboth of us. Unless there's a medical problem, like placenta previa or something, it is absolutely safe to continue having sex up to the end. My doctor actually ordered it to try to 'help me along' lol.

lovebelly - 384 days ago.
Here is what happened to me in my first pregnancy 9 years ago. No sex, but I had an orgasm 3 weeks before my due date (get the idea?). It was pretty much a daily thing so not a first or anything. Anyhow, this particular morning, I instantly had a large gush of blood come out. I went to the hospital, and I was having contractions every 90 seconds and was dilated to a 5. I still don't know what happened, but it was the most wonderful labor and delivery experience possible. Finally got my epidural at 8cm, never feeling a single contraction, but it was my last opportunity before pushing. Then 2 good pushes and baby was out. Entire process from bleeding to birth lasted 7 hours. Not sure if it is advised, but I am planning the same thing this birth! I did not have placenta previa or any problems in pregnancy.

HappyForest - 385 days ago.
tejay- you should be fine. i had sex around that time and i had some bleeding, i called the doctor and they said your body is changing a lot down there around this time, so it is more sensitive. hurts easier and bleeds easier. so unless you get bleeding that doesnt stop, everything is ok. i am 39 weeks pregnant and still have sex if i want to, which isnt a lot of course lol but its absolutely fine unless you have a special condition or something, then the doctor would tell you not to. have fun and dont worry...enjoy it while you still can!

Tejay2 - 385 days ago.
Ok so i need some advice..altho i have had a baby before i was single so i never had experience wit sex during pregnancy...what im curious to know is are there any dos an donts...i mean i know you cant do any harm to baby an usually you can have sex right up to ya have it but can you harm anything down there like do you have to stop going all the way in...i guess when your full term you couldnt fit or wouldnt want a jolly great penis up there but when do you stop..is it just fine if everything feels ok at the time or what..haha im glad i dnt know anyone on here...i had sex with dh the other night an altho at the time everything felt great i could feel that there was a uteris in the way but it didnt hurt...until the next day i was sore all day around my uteris an if i pushed like trying to poo it was real bad!!! its less tender today but still a bit sore...could i have done damage?even tho it didnt hurt at the time? im 15 weeks..