October 21st 2024.
When it comes to pregnancy, there are a lot of uncertainties and misunderstandings. It's only natural to worry when you're doing everything you can to keep yourself and your baby safe. One of the biggest concerns for expectant parents is whether or not it's safe to have sex during pregnancy. In fact, over 200,000 people have turned to the NCT website in the last year alone for answers on this topic, making it the most popular resource page for the charity. This proves that it's a pressing question on the minds of many parents-to-be. But fear not, NCT Practitioner and antenatal educator Fleur Parker is here to offer her expertise and reassurance on the safety and comfort of intimacy while pregnant.
First and foremost, it's important to note that for most people, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe. Fleur explains that while some may approach it with caution and experience changes in their sex drive and sex life as the pregnancy progresses, the most important thing to remember is that it won't harm your baby. Despite myths and misconceptions, a penis will not go further than the vagina, and your baby won't feel a thing from the womb during penetrative sex. Of course, every person's experience is unique and some may find certain positions or forms of intimacy more comfortable than others. It's all about what works for you and your partner.
Speaking of comfort, as the pregnancy progresses, you may find that certain positions or forms of intimacy become more comfortable than others. This is completely normal and to be expected. In fact, some people prefer positions like cowgirl or sex from behind, as they can reduce pressure on the abdomen and breasts. Others may find that forms of intimacy such as kissing or masturbation are more enjoyable during pregnancy. Again, it's all about finding what works for you and your partner.
One issue that may arise in the later stages of pregnancy is orgasm triggering Braxton Hicks contractions. While this can be a scary experience, it's important to remember that it's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Fleur reassures that lying down and relaxing can help these contractions go away. In fact, some may even experience more intense orgasms during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity. However, if the Braxton Hicks contractions continue to worsen, it's important to contact your doctor.
Of course, there are some situations where it may not be safe to have sex during pregnancy. Your midwife will usually inform you if this is the case. For example, if you've experienced bleeding throughout your pregnancy or have a low placenta, you may be advised to avoid sex. This is also true for those carrying twins or who have had premature babies in the past, as well as those who have had issues with their cervix. These factors could increase the risk of sex inducing labor. Additionally, if your waters have already broken, it's important to refrain from having sex under any circumstances. If you have any concerns, always check with your midwife or doctor.
While having sex during pregnancy is generally safe, there are some risk factors that healthcare providers may recommend avoiding penetrative sex for. These include heavy bleeding during pregnancy, waters that have broken (due to increased risk of infection), placenta praevia or cervix problems, previous early labors, and being in the late stages of pregnancy with twins or multiples. In these cases, it's best to follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
It's important to remember that pregnancy can also affect your sex drive. While some people may continue their normal sex life, others may notice changes due to the influx of hormones or changing body image. It's common for some to have a higher sex drive in the first and second trimesters, while others may experience a decrease due to side effects or simply not feeling up to it. Fleur reminds us that it's important to talk about how you're feeling with your partner, but no one should ever feel pressured or forced into doing something sexual that they don't want to do. Ultimately, the focus during pregnancy should be on the health and happiness of both you and your baby.
In summary, sex during pregnancy is generally safe and should not harm your baby. It's important to listen to your body, try different positions and forms of intimacy to find what works for you, and keep communication open with your partner. However, there are some situations where it may not be safe to have sex, so always check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Remember, pregnancy is a difficult time and sex should not be the focus. What's most important is the health and well-being of both you and your baby. If you have a story to share about your experience with sex during pregnancy, we'd love to hear from you. You can reach us by emailing [insert email here].
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