Pregnancy and Sex

Sex during pregnancy can be challenging for some couples and sexual intimacy undergo series of  “changes” during the nine months of pregnancy. This does not Sex should not be less enjoyable or avoided unless advised by your doctors or midwife. Many couples report that their sexual appetites increased during your pregnancy. The frequency of sex is a private matter between adults.

It is absolutely normal for the libido of a pregnant woman to vary during the first and last months of pregnancy. During the first weeks of pregnancy a woman may be experiencing nausea, painful breasts and fatigue. The last month of pregnancy may bring about aches and pains in the back and abdomen as well as a general feeling of fatigue.

Fear of Sex

The fears express by many couples are that sexual intercourse will hurt the baby and having orgasms will stimulate early labour symptoms or even a miscarriage. Sexual intercourse will not hurt the mother or the foetus in a normal “low Risk” pregnancies. Likewise, having an orgasm in a normal pregnancy will not hurt the baby or bring on labour or miscarriage.

Special Concerns

There are instances when sex may be restricted. In the case of a “high risk” pregnancy, sexual intercourse may be limited at certain times. Sexual intercourse may also be restricted if the mother has unexplained bleeding, history of miscarriages, history of premature labours, if twins are being carried, or if the mother has placenta previa.

It is important to discuss with your doctor what is safe and what is unsafe.  

 When to Call Your Doctor

Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex is safe for you. Also, call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.