Has pregnancy spiked your interest in sex? Or is sex the last thing on your mind? Either way, here’s what you need to know about sex during pregnancy at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
If you’re pregnant, you may have questions about sex during pregnancy. Here’s what to know.
Is it OK to have sex while pregnant?
The amniotic fluid in the uterus and the strong muscles of the uterus protect your growing baby. Having sex won’t affect your baby if you don’t have health concerns during pregnancy such as preterm labor or placenta problems. But being pregnant can cause changes in your level of comfort during sex and in your interest in sex at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?
Miscarriage is the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Having sex while pregnant won’t cause a miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen because the fetus isn’t growing as it should at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
It’s common to have cramps or spotting after sex or orgasm. But if you have bad cramping that doesn’t go away or heavy bleeding that is like a menstrual period, contact your healthcare professional at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
What are the best sexual positions while pregnant?
If they are comfortable for you, most sexual positions are acceptable during pregnancy. Try a different position if one irritates you. As your belly expands, find what fits the best. Remember to be comfortable and happy at What is and is not acceptable during pregnancy when it comes to sex.
Are condoms needed?
Having a sexually transmitted infection while pregnant can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. Avoid vaginal, oral and anal sex if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
Use a condom if:
- You or your partner has sex with other people.
- You have sex with a new partner while pregnant at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
Are there times when sex is not OK?
Having sex or having an orgasm can cause the uterus to contract. This most often isn’t a reason to worry.
But your healthcare professional might suggest not having sex if at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not:
- You have vaginal bleeding.
- You leak amniotic fluid.
- Your cervix begins to open early, called cervical incompetence.
- Your placenta covers your cervical opening partly or all the way, called placenta previa at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
- You have a history of starting labor early or giving birth early.
What if I don’t want to have sex?
That’s OK. You may have nausea or be too tired for sex. Or you or your partner might not want to have sex. Share your needs and worries with your partner in an open and loving way. If you don’t want to have sex, there are other ways to be close. Try cuddling, kissing or massage at Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.
