Sex during pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy is a subject that is rarely talked about. This is because the cultural tendency is not to make a connection between motherhood and sexuality. Generally, sexual intercourse during pregnancy is avoided for fear that sexual intercourse will harm the baby and cause miscarriage or premature birth. However, as long as the pregnancy progresses normally, you can have sexual intercourse as often as you want.

So what is a “normal pregnancy”? A normal pregnancy is a pregnancy without symptoms or risks of miscarriage or premature birth. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor to inform you about how your pregnancy is progressing.

Is Sex Safe While Pregnant?

Most women who have had a normal pregnancy can have sexual intercourse until the last day of their pregnancy (until their water breaks or the onset of labor). Having sex will not harm your baby. The amniotic sac (the sac filled with amniotic fluid that contains your baby) and the strong muscles of your uterus protect your baby. In addition, the thick mucus layer in the cervix creates a barrier against infections. The male genitalia (penis) does not come into contact with your baby during sexual intercourse.

Having an orgasm can cause mild uterine contractions. Likewise, nipple stimulation and prostaglandins in semen can cause mild uterine contractions. But all are usually temporary and harmless.

Does Sex During Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage?

Many couples avoid sex because they worry that having sex during pregnancy will increase the risk of miscarriage. However, the majority of early pregnancy miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems, and it has nothing to do with what you do.

What Are The Safest Positions During Pregnancy?

Many positions are allowed during pregnancy as long as you are comfortable. You should try to find the best for yourself and experience it for yourself. As your belly grows, it will be difficult for you to find the most comfortable position for sexual intercourse.

For example, the missionary position (male on top) becomes more difficult as your pregnancy progresses, and even impossible in the late stages of pregnancy. If you continue in this position after the first trimester (first 3 months), put a pillow under you and make sure that your partner does not put his weight on your stomach.

See pregnancy as an opportunity to try new positions and increase creativity. Here are some options:

• If you are on top with your partner lying on their back, no weight will be placed on your belly and you can control deeper contact.
• You can be on top with your partner sitting in a sturdy chair or sofa.
• Having your partner behind you while you sleep with your partner.
• Lie on your back and support your back with a pillow so that you can see your partner’s face. This position will protect your partner from putting his weight on you.
• Let your hips or feet hang from one side of the bed and lie on your back with your knees bent. (After the first 3 months, you should angle your bottom with a pillow) Your partner may be standing or kneeling in front of you.
• Support yourself with your knees and elbows, your partner can kneel behind you and enter the vagina.

Keep your creativity high to maintain the pleasure and comfort you will get from your togetherness.

Is Oral Sex or Anal Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Oral sex is mostly safe during pregnancy. However, your partner should not blow air into your genital area. Air intrusion into the vagina can cause air embolism (introduction of air bubbles into the bloodstream). This condition is extremely rare, but can be life-threatening for you and your baby.

Oral sex during pregnancy may not be safe for your partner, either. If your partner has active oral herpes (herpes), it can be transmitted. If your partner has had oral herpes before, he should avoid giving you oral sex during the 3rd trimester, even if there are no symptoms now. Anal sex is not recommended during pregnancy. If you have a pregnancy-related hemorrhoid problem, anal sex can be a problem. But most importantly, bacteria pass from the rectum into the vagina through anal sex, increasing the risk of infection.

How Can I Avoid Sexually Transmitted Diseases During My Pregnancy?

If you are at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, that is, if your partner has a sexually transmitted disease or if you do not have a monogamous relationship with your spouse, either do not have sexual intercourse or use a latex condom during each sexual intercourse. If you have a latex allergy, choose polyurethane condoms .

Does Having Orgasm Trigger Premature Birth?

Having orgasm increases uterine contractions, but these contractions are different from contractions in labor. Having an orgasm does not increase the risk of preterm labor or cause premature birth. Similarly, having sexual intercourse even in the last days of pregnancy does not trigger labor contractions.

When Should You Avoid Sexual Intercourse?

For most women, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. But in some cases it can be dangerous. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid sexual intercourse in the following situations:

• If you have had a miscarriage in the past or are currently at risk of miscarriage
• If you have a history of preterm labor (if you gave birth before 37 weeks) or are currently at risk for preterm labor (if you have uterine contractions)
• Multiple pregnancy (such as twins, triplets)
• If you have unexpected vaginal bleeding
• If amniotic fluid is coming out (your water is coming out)
• Cervix (if the cervix is ​​opened prematurely (cervical insufficiency)
• If the placenta (your baby’s partner) partially or completely covers the cervix (placenta previa)

Will My Sexual Desires Change Because I’m Pregnant?

Many women say that their sexual desires change while they are pregnant. Others say they enjoy it much more. Others say that it is much less. At first, your sexual desire will decrease due to hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea. As your pregnancy progresses, weight gain, back pain, and other symptoms can negatively affect your sexual excitement. Due to the increase in blood in the pelvic region, the fullness of the genital organs also increases. Increased sensitivity increases the pleasure you get during sexual intercourse. Your vaginal discharge and moistness increase.

On the other hand, you may not like these changes and find the fullness in your genitals disturbing. You may experience mild abdominal cramps or contractions during or immediately after sexual intercourse.

You may feel tenderness, sensitivity and fullness by touching your breasts, especially in the first 3 months. This sensitivity usually decreases, but the sensitivity remains. Some women may find this increased sensitivity arousing, but some women do not like this and do not want their breasts to be touched. If you feel uncomfortable during sexual intercourse, let your partner know. Remember that physical intimacy is more important than bounce.

I Can’t Get In The Air Since I Got Pregnant, Is It Normal?

Some women have an increased sexual desire (libido) during pregnancy. However, some are less interested. These fluctuations in sexual desire are due to physical and emotional changes.

Especially in the first 3 months (1st trimester), you may find yourself very tired, grumpy and disgusted with sexual intercourse. It is not abnormal for you to feel overwhelmed by these physical and emotional changes.

In the 3rd trimester (last 3 months), your restlessness in the first 2 months may return, you may feel very large, shapeless and uncomfortable during sex.

Your partner should know how you feel and that you still love him. It is important to maintain communication and support each other through these changes.

What should I do if I don’t want to have sexual intercourse?

No problem. Sex can be experienced without having vaginal intercourse. Share your needs and concerns openly and wholeheartedly with your partner. If sexual intercourse has become difficult for you and you are not enjoying it, try other means of contact, such as hugging, kissing, caressing, or massaging.

How soon after my baby is born can I have sexual intercourse?

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, your body needs time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after giving birth to have sexual intercourse. This wait is for the cervix (cervix) to close and the episiotomy line to heal.

If you feel ready for sexual intercourse; Take it slow and make sure you use a reliable method of contraception to avoid a new pregnancy.

If you are wondering about postpartum sexual intercourse, you  can read our postpartum sexual intercourse  article.

Will My Pregnancy Change My Partner’s Sexual Desire?

Many partners may find their pregnant partner more attractive than before, and some may not. Your partner’s sexual desires may be affected by parental responsibilities and concerns. Fear of harming the baby during sexual intercourse is probably the main reason for men. If your partner is worried about sexual intercourse during pregnancy, take your partner with you at your next doctor’s visit. Most importantly, talk to each other about your fears and concerns, and also talk about your needs and desires. Communicating reduces tension and makes you feel comfortable during sex

In Which Symptoms Should I Call The Doctor?

It is normal to feel some contractions during, immediately after, or when you have an orgasm during sex. But call your doctor if you still have contractions after a few minutes, or if you experience pain or bleeding.

Do not hesitate to call your doctor and ask questions for any concerns about sexual intercourse, especially if you have fears about your baby’s safety.

Jin.Op.Dr. Yeşim Yercok

Gynecology Obstetrics and IVF Specialist

For appointment Tel:  0216-3851715

Address:  Fener Kalamış cad. Billur apt. No:5 Da:9 Kiziltoprak/Istanbul