Sex and Pregnancy

Building a family is not just a primal instinct to keep the human race from going extinct. There is a genuine desire for connection that seems to be encoded in our DNA. For many, becoming pregnant can be a challenge, even when sexual intercourse is plentiful. Through assisted reproductive technology, many have been able to fulfill a desire that may have, at a point, seemed unattainable.  

Once pregnant, the issue of sex and pregnancy frequently arises. There is a lot of information and misinformation from a myriad of sources. This creates some confusion as to whether sex and pregnancy go hand in hand. Questions arise regarding whether it is safe or not, and whether it can have an impact on an unborn child. This dis-ease with the notion of sex during pregnancy is further fed by socio-cultural practices and beliefs that stretch beyond pregnancy into the postnatal period. So, let us address the issue of sex and pregnancy, shall we? 

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Right off the bat, let us be clear, you can have sex during pregnancy. The only time when this may be an issue is if there is a medical underlying condition that would put, not just the mother, but the unborn child at risk. When such is the case, a healthcare provider would recommend that the pregnant person abstain from sexual activity altogether. We shall discuss the circumstances under which abstinence could be recommended, later in this article.  

During normal pregnancy, the fetus is ‘snug’ and secure in the womb, and the cervix remains closed and sealed to ensure that nothing coming in through the vagina gets into the uterus.  Therefore, if all the markers for pregnancy point to a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason why a pregnant person cannot enjoy having sex throughout their pregnancy. Yes, all the way close to the due date.  We shall be discussing how this can be possible in the following sections.

Sex and Pregnancy

Let us begin by pointing out that our unique differences play a role in how pregnancy is experienced. Some people can have fairly uneventful pregnancies, while others can have ‘action packed’ pregnancies. As such, each person’s libido will be affected differently by the pregnancy, due to the hormones that support pregnancy. 

Where the act of sex is concerned then, each person will experience it differently. In order to manage then, it is crucial that communication between partners is open and honest. As well, as the pregnancy progresses it is vital to avoid sexual positions that put pressure on the growing baby bump. We shall now address pregnancy by trimester so that we can see how the different stages of pregnancy could impact sexual desire and sexual intercourse.

Sex During the First Trimester

Pregnancy in the first trimester brings with it many changes, as the body adapts itself to carrying the pregnancy. Hormonal changes cause a person to experience symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and tiredness, among others. Additionally, some light bleeding or spotting may be experienced due to the embryo implanting itself into the uterine wall, which is common in one out of four pregnancies.

If this is continuous however, one must see a doctor.  These symptoms could lower a person's sexual desire, or put them off sex completely. At times, a pregnant person may experience some cramping after climax. While this is fairly normal, it is recommended that one sees a doctor if they are at risk for preterm birth. 

Sex During the Second Trimester

By the time a person gets to the second trimester, their body has become accustomed to the pregnancy and the initial symptoms typically resolve. This results in better sleep, more energy and an improved appetite. The second trimester is marked by improved appetite, improved sleep and increased energy levels.  As well, there is a return to a more regular routine, including a return to more regular sexual activity. 

As the baby bump continues to grow, having sex in the regular positions may begin to become a little more challenging. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the exploration of new positions opens up a fresh enjoyment of sex, and a renewed connection with one’s partner. The most important thing is to ensure that the sexual positions do not put weight on the growing belly. 

Sex During the Third Trimester

Sexual activity continues to change as a person gets into their third trimester of pregnancy. Sexual positions that were once easy to get into and sustain, become a bit more challenging due to the ever growing bump. Finding ways to support oneself, as well as taking top sexual positions can help to keep one comfortable during sexual activity. 

Since this is the time in which the body is preparing itself for delivery, a person may experience minor bleeding, and leaky breasts during or after sexual activity. Bleeding is as a result of the cervix being particularly sensitive at this point, while the leaky breasts are a sign that the breasts are preparing to produce milk.  

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

In some cases, the mother or unborn child may be at risk due to one medical reason or another. In such cases healthcare providers will typically recommend that the pregnant person abstain from sexual activity. Some of the cases in which abstinence may be recommended are:

• If there are signs of amniotic fluid leakage 
• Medical history that puts a person at risk for premature birth or preterm labor
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix, partially or fully
• Cervical incompetence, where the cervix starts dilating prematurely. 

In Conclusion

Whereas the impact that pregnancy could have on a person cannot be known beforehand, any changes can be managed with openness, and open communication with both a medical professional, and one’s partner. If you have concerns or queries about sex and pregnancy, contact us at Virginia Fertility & IVF, at any of our locations countrywide.