Pregnancy brings changes not only in the body but also in emotions and relationships. At such a time, it is absolutely natural to have questions, curiosity or confusion regarding sex. The sexual desire of some women may increase, while that of others may decrease.
This happens due to hormonal changes of pregnancy. Your partner’s feelings may also change.
Remember, pregnancy is a special and sensitive journey for both of you. Open communication is the strongest foundation of understanding, trust and a healthy relationship.
Is sex safe during pregnancy?
If your pregnancy is normal (low-risk) and your doctor hasn’t prescribed any special precautions, it’s usually safe to have sex.
In a normal pregnancy, the baby is protected by the uterus and the water around it (amniotic fluid). There may be mild cramping or very light spotting (blood stains) after sex, which is often normal. As the belly grows, it is important to choose a comfortable position. If pain or discomfort is felt at any time, one should stop immediately.
Under what circumstances may sex not be safe?
In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe, but caution or abstinence may be necessary in certain situations. In such circumstances it is most important to follow the doctor’s advice.
Avoiding or limiting sex may be advisable in the following situations:
• Have had pre-term labor before
• History of prior miscarriage
• There is bleeding from the vagina
• There is leakage of water (amniotic fluid)
• Placenta covering the cervix (placenta previa)
• The cervix is weak or has started opening.
• Pregnancy with twins or more babies
If any of these conditions occur, do not have sex without consulting a doctor. Your and your baby’s safety comes first.
Which sexual habits to be careful about during pregnancy?
There is a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) even during pregnancy. Such infection can be harmful to both mother and baby, so safe sexual behavior is very important.
To prevent infection:
• Use condoms correctly every time
• Do not have more than one sexual partner
• If any type of infection is suspected, get tested and treated immediately
• If using lubricants, use only water-soluble lubricants
You can protect yourself and your baby’s health by adopting safe habits.
When is it necessary to contact a doctor?
If you notice any unusual symptoms after sex during pregnancy, do not ignore them. Consulting a doctor on time is important for the safety of both mother and child.
Contact a doctor immediately if:
• Watery fluid starts coming out from the vagina
• Have unusual or foul-smelling discharge
• Burning or pain while urinating
• Persistent or increasing pain in the stomach or vagina
• get fever
• Suspected sexually transmitted infection (STI)
When in doubt, don’t wait – seeking advice at the right time is the key to safe motherhood.
In which symptoms should one go to the hospital immediately?
Some symptoms can be serious and require immediate medical attention. If you see such signs, do not delay. Go to hospital immediately if:
• Regular and painful contractions begin
• Cramping does not stop for several hours
• Heavy or period-like bleeding
Do not consider these symptoms as normal and wait at home. Timely treatment is extremely important for the safety of both mother and baby.
Safe information, safe motherhood
Sex during normal pregnancy is mostly safe. Still, every woman’s experience is different, so it’s important to understand and respect your body’s signals.
Right information, open communication with partner and regular ante-natal checkups – these three are the strong foundation of safe and healthy motherhood.
Disclaimer: This article is only for public awareness. Always consult your doctor according to your individual situation.