Parenting & Family

Sex During Pregnancy

Sex During PregnancyMany rumors exist regarding sex during pregnancy. Should you? Shouldn’t you? Every female who has given birth has an opinion of her own and be quite eager to share it with you. But opinions are not what you and your baby need.

If you’r pregnancy is normal, chances are good that sex is safe for you and baby. A normal pregnancy is one considered to be risk-free. Your physician should make this call. Discussing sex with him is critical. Ultimately, he can give you the guidelines you need to follow with each pregnancy a unique case.

Be aware that your desire for sex will fluctuate during your pregnancy due to shifting hormone levels and other causes such as comfort, self-consciousness, feeling ill, or being tired. You must keep open communication lines with your spouse throughout your pregnancy and avoid all misunderstandings or false assumptions. Don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse to avoid sexual relations with your mate, but in all fairness, explain to him your feelings about sex in an honest manner.

If you’re unable to have sexual intercourse due to medical or personal reasons, remember to spend time with your mate developing intimacy. This can be done through touching, kissing, lying together closely with no clothes on, or holding hands. Give massages, read together, recite love poems, or watch an old romance movie. No matter what, don’t forget to take time out for expressing and receiving love.

There’s one warning you must pay close attention to while pregnant. If you participate in oral sex during pregnancy, it’s critical that your partner knows not to blow air into your vagina. Doing so can cause an air embolism which could mean death to mother and child.

Safe, natural sex, however, should not harm your child. Your baby is amply protected by the amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus. A thick mucus plug seals the cervix and helps fight away infections. At no time should the penis ever come into contact with the baby during sex.

There is no reason to deprive you or your partner of the beauty and joy that comes with a healthy sexual relationship if your pregnancy is healthy and strong. Always ask your doctor before engaging in sexual relations for the safety of you and your unborn child.