"Is sex during pregnancy safe for baby?" This, and other pregnancy sex questions you're embarrassed to ask your doctor, answered here.
Sex During Pregnancy
Sex is usually a taboo topic, but not for mature adults, especially married couples. Besides, it is what got us our precious babies in the first place, to put it bluntly. But what about sex during pregnancy? You have to admit, asking your OB-Gynaecologist about sex questions when you're already pregnant makes you feel a little (or a lot) uncomfortable.
However, these questions are as valid as you are just after what will keep your pregnancy and your baby safe. And you might be surprised that your OB-GYN is actually game to answer pregnancy-related questions about sex. Remember, it's part of their job to educate you about safe sex and pregnancy, so they are not going to judge.
But if you're still feeling queasy and you cannot say the three-letter word without blushing, we've got you covered. Here are the answers to some of the pregnancy sex questions you are too embarrassed to ask your doctor.
Hot Topic: Pregnancy Sex Questions You’re Embarrassed to Ask Your Doctor
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Is sex during pregnancy safe or not?
Unless your doctor advises you to refrain from it because of some pregnancy complications, then YES, it is perfectly safe. Your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid, as well as the strong muscle in your uterus, so sexual activity won't harm him.
According to a study, 80 per cent of men worry they are hurting the baby if they have sexual intercourse with their pregnant wife. But thanks to your baby's amniotic sac and your uterus' strong muscles, they are safely protected in your womb, even during intercourse.
Moreover, the entrance to your cervix is shielded by a mucus plug, which guards against infection. Though there are certain positions that are favourable during certain trimesters, it is generally safe to have sex even until your water breaks.
If your partner is still uncomfortable doing it while you are pregnant, bring him with you to your next doctor's appointment so they can hear an expert’s reassurance that their penis is not touching the baby.
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Sex during pregnancy - how does the baby feel inside the womb?
It's been proven that having sex during pregnancy does not harm your baby, but have you ever wondered how your baby responds to this activity in the womb?
Sex and orgasms can cause a baby to become either super quiet or encourage movement. If it feels like your baby has fallen asleep, it is most likely because of the "rhythmic movement" of your belly during sexual activity. For other mums-to-be, their babies start kicking up a storm, inspired by the movement outside the womb to kick or move around.
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Where does sperm go during pregnancy?
Is sperm good for the baby during pregnancy?
According to Healthline, semen and sperm deposited in the vagina will simply be discharged from the body through the vaginal opening.
So again, the semen deposited in the vagina during intercourse will not harm the baby. And it is also very unlikely for it to impregnate the woman again as the superfetation is highly unlikely in humans and the process of ovulation is essentially shut down during pregnancy due to the release of certain hormones.
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Effects of sex during pregnancy?
If your gynaecologist gives you the go signal and you do not have any pregnancy complications, then you can definitely enjoy sexual intercourse with your partner. The increased blood flow in your body could mean more orgasms for you.
According to Medical News Today, in some ways, it can even benefit the pregnant mum. Sex burns calories and can keep you fit. It also releases antibodies that boost your immune system.
If you're feeling stressed and anxious about the pregnancy, having an orgasm can help as it releases endorphins that relax both you and your baby. Most of all, it helps you bond with your partner.
What are the disadvantages of sex during pregnancy? Well, if not done right and if there are complications, then there can be some setbacks.
First, it may cause fatigue on the woman's part if she is not supposed to be engaging in strenuous physical activity. Moreover, breast stimulation, female orgasms, and certain hormones in semen called prostaglandins can cause uterine contractions. But will this induce labour? We'll tackle this question later.
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When is the best time to have sex during pregnancy?
According to Holly Richmond, a clinical sex therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist, when it comes to pregnancy sex, all sex is good sex as long as it is pleasurable and consensual.
However, she believes that the second trimester is actually the best time to have sex during pregnancy, as your bout with morning sickness is over and your sex drive is really high. Sexual intercourse becomes a little bit trickier during the third trimester as your growing belly may interfere with certain positions.
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Is it normal to have wet dreams while pregnant?
Do you feel like you are always thinking about sex, even in your dreams? As mentioned earlier, the increase in hormones causes a woman's libido or sex drive to increase during pregnancy.
“Another bonus due to higher oestrogen levels and increased blood flow,” said Richmond. “I had several of my clients report it with a bit of concern, then were delighted when I told them it’s normal and will most likely subside after they give birth, so enjoy it!”
Moreover, it is also common to feel extra wet, as the increased secretion and lubrication occurs to fight bacteria and infection that may harm your pregnancy.
READ MORE:
Herpes and Your Unborn Child: Is Oral Sex During Pregnancy Safe?
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Is masturbation safe during pregnancy?
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Is oral sex safe during pregnancy?
"The concern is that with the blood vessels in the vagina being dilated, air could be blown into the vessels and cause an air embolism," said Dr. Minkin.
The air could block a blood vessel, which can have an impact on your cardiovascular system, and also land in the placenta and impact foetal development.
Moreover, make sure that your partner is free from any sexually transmitted infections that can affect your pregnancy. The most dangerous is the herpes simplex virus, which can be passed onto a fetus during birth and may cause complications like neurological damage, brain inflammation, and death.
So if you're going to do it, be very careful about it.
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Best sex positions while pregnant
To stay on the safe side, stick to positions that keep the pressure and weight off your belly. Also, make sure that your back is well supported and that you are comfortable. Read this for a list of positions to try when you are pregnant.
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Can sex during pregnancy induce labour?
Yes and no.
According to Healthline, oxytocin, the love hormone released during orgasm, and uterine contractions can induce labour. However, having sex will not cause labour to begin until your body is ready for delivery.
This is why some doctors advise their patients with low-risk pregnancies to have sexual intercourse on the weeks leading up to their due date to induce labor but to no avail. Why? Because if your body is not ready to labour, nothing you do will necessarily get it going.
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When to stop sex during pregnancy?
Sex during pregnancy can be amazing, as long as it does not put you and your baby's safety at risk. So if you are feeling any pain after sex, then, by all means, stop.
Also, consult your doctor right away if, after sexual intercourse, you experience vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath and painful cramps.
Each woman's experience with sex during pregnancy is different. Some report it to be pleasurable, while others find it less satisfying, as pelvic engorgement due to increased blood flow can cause some discomfort.
However, there are certain cases where couples have to abstain from sex altogether, upon the advice of their doctor. Don't hesitate to talk to your OB-gynaecologist about your concerns and plans about sex.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.