Sex in pregnancy: questions and answers

There are so many questions that go through the mind of a couple during pregnancy, and many of them concern the sexual sphere. Is having sex during pregnancy bad for the baby? What is the best location? Here we will try to answer many of your doubts on the subject, doubts that are often not expressed out of timidity.

Many women say they feel sexier during pregnancy while I see myself only fat and tired. Two months after the positive test, sex is the last of my thoughts. Is this normal?

Yes, all normal and you are not the only one to make these thoughts! During the first trimester, your body is working hard to support the onset of pregnancy. So you may feel nauseous and feel tired. It is no wonder then that you have no desire to make love. With the second trimester things improve, you feel better and at the same time your sexual desire increases.

If you don’t feel like it, cuddles and kisses are still a great alternative to keep in physical contact with your partner.

Can you hurt the child during intercourse?

Many future dads worry that their penis may hurt the baby during penetration. The answer is NO, it cannot hurt the child or cause the water to break.

However, if you notice bleeding after intercourse, it is better to talk to your doctor. The increased blood supply to the cervix and vaginal area during pregnancy can predetermine the rupture of some capillaries. In any case, consult your doctor to rule out other causes that may be causing bleeding.

When should sex be avoided?

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications you can have intercourse until the day of delivery. But there are situations where you can’t have them. For example, relationships should be avoided:

• in case of placenta previa,
• where there is a risk of preterm birth,
• There is a threat of abortion.

It can also happen that although the pregnancy is proceeding normally, you do not have any desire to make love so talk about it to your partner who should understand the situation.

If the belly makes intercourse difficult, you can try new positions or try other forms of stimulation.

Can he give me oral sex?

If it is a low-risk pregnancy, many women find oral stimulation a pleasant alternative if intercourse becomes uncomfortable because of the belly.

However, it is a practice to be avoided if the husband has a wound at the level of the mouth. This could be a symptom of a type of herpes virus that could be transmitted to the dona and that can cause problems for the baby.

I’ve heard that sex during the last few weeks of pregnancy can speed up labor. Is it true?

Yes and no. If you’re a couple weeks away from your due date, sex won’t do much to induce labor. On the other hand, having intercourse when late can speed labor because the prostaglandins in semen help soften and ripen the cervix thus preparing for delivery.

 In the last trimester, the belly is huge. What is the best position to have sex?

the most popular position is the one in which the woman stands on top of her partner. This way, you can control the depth of penetration. Or if you want to change you can try to reverse this position by turning your back while he is sitting holding your belly.

Immediately after intercourse, the baby seems to be calmer than usual. What is going on?

Don’t worry, the rocking movements that occur during intercourse can induce sleep in the baby.

 When can I resume relations after giving birth?

It is recommended to abstain from intercourse until the first postpartum gynecological check-up which takes place about 6 weeks later (about 40 days after delivery).

This will reduce the risk of infection and ensure complete healing to the woman’s body. In the case of a vaginal birth, this time will allow the bleeding to stop and reduce the swelling, and for the episiotomy to heal. If you delivered by caesarean section, your abdominal muscles will need this time to recover.

Expect some changes in your life

Once your baby is born and 6 weeks have passed, you enter what is called “the fourth trimester,” a period that can be very challenging. You may be very tired and not always in the mood for intercourse. This must be taken into account first so that misunderstandings do not occur. Always tell your partner about it.