Sex and Pregnancy

It is not unusual for pregnant people to wonder about the impact of continued sexual activity on their unborn child. It also does not help assuage their concerns, that myths exist that discourage sex during pregnancy. 

The purpose of this article is to discuss sex during pregnancy,  and the factors that could affect intimacy during pregnancy. We will also address the myths because, as we shall find out, sex during all stages of pregnancy is safe.

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Yes. You can have sex while pregnant and enjoy it. A developing fetus is secure in the womb thanks to the amniotic fluid, thickened uterine wall  and closed cervix. Therefore, a healthy pregnancy can proceed without any interference, even from having sex.

On the other hand, if you do have underlying conditions that could make having sex risky, your healthcare provider may suggest that you abstain from sexual intercourse for both you and your child’s safety.

Sex and Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy is not always the same. The hormones produced to support a healthy pregnancy can affect sexual desire. In some people, the desire is increased, while in others it decreases. Still in others, this desire may yoyo up and down throughout the course of pregnancy.

There is no way to determine how a person’s sexual desire will be affected by becoming pregnant, therefore it is important to pay attention to what is happening to your body, and keep your partner in the loop so that together, you can adapt your intimacy to the changes pregnancy brings. 

Having said that, there are a few experiences that are common among pregnant people. We shall break them down according to trimester because they are largely influenced by what is happening in the womb.

Sex During the First Trimester

During the first trimester, some people might experience light spotting or light bleeding following sexual intercourse. This can be a cause for concern for expectant mothers particularly because it comes with the worry of having a miscarriage.

In the first trimester however, if you experience this type of light bleeding within the first 12 weeks it indicates that the fertilized egg has successfully implanted itself on the uterine wall. It is a normal occurrence in the first trimester of pregnancy, and one in four pregnant people experience this.

Another normal occurrence in early pregnancy is mild cramping during sex and after climax. This happens because the uterus naturally has contractions during sexual activity. If you do not have an elevated risk for preterm birth, then these mild cramps should not raise any concern.

Sex During the Second Trimester

In the second trimester, the symptoms of early pregnancy such as nausea and morning sickness diminish. Appetite improves, energy levels are elevated, and sleep is more restful. 

By this time, pregnant people are also psychologically more at ease with the pregnancy and without any bodily discomfort, the idea of having sex regains its appeal.

As the pregnancy progresses and the pregnant partner’s tummy begins to bulge, the second trimester brings to light that some positions are just more comfortable than others when having sex. 

Sex During the Third Trimester

Sex during the third trimester comes with a few interesting surprises such as leaky breasts during sexual activity. Breasts could also leak in the third trimester, even without sexual stimulation. This liquid is called colostrum and is naturally produced by the breasts as they prepare to produce milk.

As in the first trimester, one may experience some minor bleeding after a particularly vigorous round of sex but the cause is different. In the third trimester, the cervix is particularly sensitive. This however should not raise any concerns, as long as the bleeding resolves fairly quickly.

Understandably, as one gets closer to their due date, early labor becomes the new concern. However, sexual intercourse is not going to cause that. In fact it is perfectly okay to have sex right through to the final weeks of pregnancy if the pregnancy is progressing as expected. 

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

Under normal circumstances, nothing should prevent a pregnant person from enjoying sex throughout their pregnancy. However, there are some medical reasons why a couple may have to abstain from sexual inrercours for the sake of mother and child. 

A doctor may recommend abstinence if a pregnant person has:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding;
• A history of preterm labor or premature birth
• Leaking amniotic fluid
• Placenta previa - when the placenta fully or partially covers the cervix
• Cervical incompetence - when the cervix begins to open prematurely

In Conclusion

There is no way to predict how becoming pregnant will affect you sexually and pregnancy can take its toll physically as well as psychologically. To ensure that intimacy is not lost, communicate openly, honestly and consistently with your partner. 

If you still have concerns regarding sex during pregnancy, contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group and let our team of professionals support you as you build you family.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages

No. While a miscarriage can be a difficult experience, there is no evidence that sex causes miscarriages. Typically miscarriages happen because of physiological issues that inhibit the fetus from developing properly in the early stages. 

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

No. Sex does not cause early labor.  There is no evidence to support a correlation between sexual intercourse and early labor, even when the sexual activity occurs close to the due date.

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

The best sexual positions can only be determined by both partners, depending on their comfort level and personal preferences. However, sexual positions that put weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach as the pregnancy progresses should simply be avoided.