Is It Safe To Have S*x During Pregnancy?

For all the soon-to-be parents, sex during pregnancy might be a daunting issue. It could be pleasing for most to know that sex during normal pregnancy (a low-risk pregnancy) is considered safe, unless your health care provider tells you otherwise.

Since, the amniotic sac (sac in which the foetus develops) and the strong uterus muscles will protect your baby, it is said that sex during pregnancy is quite safe. Also, during pregnancy, your cervix secretes mucus, which forms a thick mucus plug. This plug forms on the cervix, and acts like an additional layer of protection for your baby. Further, it also prevents any bacteria from getting into the uterus. Hence, during sex the penis will not come in contact with the foetus. But some doctors recommend avoiding sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, just as a precaution.

Your doctor may advise against sexual intercourse if significant complications are detected or expected. These may include:

*.A history or threat of miscarriage

*.Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping

*.Placenta previa (occurs when a baby’s placenta partially or totally covers the opening in the mother’s cervix (the opening of the uterus). Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding before or during delivery. Hence any physical excertion is restricted.

*. A history of premature labor also called preterm labor. It’s when your body starts getting ready for birth too early in your pregnancy such as premature uterine contractions.

*.Leakage of amniotic fluid (a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby during pregnancy, contained in the amniotic sac).

*.Multiple foetuses (twins, triplets, etc.)



*.Cervical incompetence, a medical condition in which pregnant woman’s cervix begins to dilate (widen) and efface (thin) before her pregnancy has reached term ,raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery

When Is Sex During Pregnancy Not Safe?
Two types of sexual behavior aren’t safe for any pregnant woman:

1.During oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina as it may cause an air embolism (a condition when an air bubble or air bubbles enter a vein or artery and block it), which can be extremely dangerous both for the mother and child.

2.You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you are infected, such diseases may be transmitted to your baby, which may lead to lethal consequences.

When to Call the Doctor?
Call your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms after an intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.