Answers to Your Questions on Sex During Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy is completely healthy and safe. Learning the facts can help relieve some of the worries you may be experiencing.

Is There Ever a Time To Avoid Sex?

Sex during pregnancy is safe and can be done right up until birth as long as it is comfortable for both partners. The baby is well protected in the woman’s abdomen and amniotic fluid and is not aware of the sexual act taking place. However, sex should be avoided if advised by a practioner or for any of the following reasons.

1) vaginal bleeding

2) preterm labor

3) sexually transmitted disease (you or your partner)

4) certain high risk pregnancies

Should I Be Concerned About a Miscarriage?

Miscarriage during the first trimester is commonly due to a chromosomal abnormality, not typically anything you do or not do during this time.

How Will My Pregnant Wife’s Sexual Desire Change?

During the first trimester, a woman may have a diminished sex drive due to raging hormones, weight gain, decreased energy levels.

During the second trimester, a woman can experience an increased sex drive due to increased blood flow to the sexual organs and breasts.

During the last trimester, interest may decrease due to the back pain or tiredness or just the new challenges of sex with a growing abdomen between you.

Sex during pregnancy in the last trimester may just require a little creativity. A woman should avoid laying flat on her back after the fourth month of pregnancy due to the added pressure of the growing uterus on major blood vessels. Therefore some of these suggested positions may work out better than the missionary position.

1) Spooning A very relaxing position during pregnancy, the man’s penis enters the woman’s vagina as his chest is against her back with both partners on their sides. This also allows easy access to the clitoris.

2) Woman on Top The woman can control the depth of penetration and the man doesn’t need to worry about whether he is hurting her or not because she is in total control.

3) Hands and Knees The woman is on her hands and knees as the man’s penis enters her vagina from rear entry. This prevents direct pressure to the abdomen.

And of course, all women and their pregnancy experiences are different. The pregnancy and sex experience may be a challenge as you describe it as a "roller coaster ride” trying to figure out your wife's moods associated with pregnancy hormones. Then again, pregnancy sex may be described as "nothing out of the ordinary" from your pre-pregnancy experience. Just make sure you have open communication about your feelings and desires to ensure that you continue to have a positive sexual experience during the pregnancy.

Is It Safe For My Wife To Have An Orgasm with Sex During Pregnancy?

Orgasms are safe for the woman and baby. The baby will also experience the euphoric hormone rush of an orgasm. Orgasms also cause slight contractions in the uterus. However, consult your doctor if continual contractions occur.

Is Oral Sex Okay?

Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. However, blowing air into the vagina should not be done during pregnancy.

When Can Sex Resume After the Baby is Born?

After the baby is born, wait until after the post partum checkup (6 weeks) to resume sexual intercourse.