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Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy
There is no hard and fast rule on sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Scientifically, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes problems such as miscarriage or premature birth.
Theoretically seminal fluid contains substances called prostaglandins which might stimulate uterine activity. Orgasm has been shown to cause prolonged and sustained contractions of the womb. Some bacteria may be transmitted during intercourse causing infection of the birth canal and the womb. Thus sexual intercourse may have potential harmful effects on the mother and the baby.
Most obstetricians, however agree that women
with bleeding during pregnancy
with history of repeated miscarriages
with history of premature birth
having high risk for premature birth (e.g. excessive liquid surrounding the baby)
found to have laxity of the neck of the womb on physical examination by the obstetrician
should abstain from sex and any type of sexual stimulation after the 5 th month of pregnancy.
Having sex during pregnancy is a very personal decision. Each person's feelings may be different .Sexual desire and comfort varies from person to person due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. The couples must involve in the decision-making themselves.
Sexual Desire In Pregnancy
Sexual desire varies from person to person. Not many studies have been done on women's sexual response during pregnancy. Pregnancy tends to be accompanied by decreases in sexual desire, in frequency of intercourse and orgasm. About 70% of women experienced a decrease in sexual desire according to some studies.
Sexual desire varies in different phases of pregnancy. During the first trimester tenderness of the breasts, nausea, vomiting, and fears of miscarriage may be factors causing decreased sexual desire. However, in some couples sexual intimacy may increase due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which mimics sexual arousal.
In the second trimester, many women have increased sexual desire as fatigue and fears of miscarriage are usually over.
In the third trimester, couples may feel uncomfortable during sexual intercourse because of enlarged womb. Some women may feel unattractive because of the physical changes. They may worry that sex may bring on premature birth or harm the baby. All these contribute to decrease sexual desire.
Desire for sex in man is likely to change as well. Some men feel closer to their wives and enjoy the physical changes in pregnancy. Others may experience decreased desire because of anxiety about the risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Sexual intercourse will not harm the baby as the baby is well-cushioned in the water bag (amniotic sac) surrounded with amniotic fluid. There are also strong muscles of the womb to protect the baby. Besides, there is a thick mucus plug that seals the neck of the womb (cervix) and prevents infection. In any case, the penis does not come into contact with the baby during sex. The only risk is if the husband is infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) -- such as hepatitis B, AIDS, or herpes -- sex poses the risk of transferring the infection to the baby.
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