Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy

Pregnancy marks the beginning of a physiological transition that has a profound effect on physical, psychological and sexual aspects of a pregnant female’s life. This transition is partly attributed to the hormonal aberrations and partly to the biochemical changes that occur in response to the influx of different hormones in the blood.Although a lot of women regard pregnancy as the most memorable period of their life, but many find it a difficult and overwhelming experience due to wide array of physical emotional issues such as backache, mood swings, ailing health, poor energy levels and shift in the center of gravity due to expanding uterus. The pregnancy can also have positive effects on the sexual life; for example, many females report increased sensitivity of certain parts of the body, especially breast and vaginal region which can be accounted to an increased blood supply to these tissues. Additionally, sex during pregnancy is better in quality because of an increase in the rate of vaginal secretions that improves the chances of orgasms and intense pleasureOn the other hand, few women may experience pain or uterine contractions due to excessive sensitivity that makes it uncomfortable to engage in the sexual encounters. It is imperative to mention that changing sexual positions or intensity of stimulation can help in improving the sexual experience.

Mood Changes During Pregnancy and Its Effect on Sexual Life

Most women, especially those who are pregnant for the first time feel overwhelmed by the physical and mental changes of pregnancy. The first trimester is usually the hardest in terms of libido due to extreme nausea, morning sickness, weakness and mood swings. Most of the time, these feelings are worsen with certain activities, smells and other changes in the surrounding environment. However, during second and third trimesters, most females experience remarkable improvement in the libido and sexual desires under the influence of hormones.Most healthcare providers recommend sexual intercourse during pregnancy due to following potential benefits:

• Lower risk of post-term delivery
• Active pregnancy
• Positive effects on the mood and psychological health of mother
• Improved quality of the relationship between the partners

Comfortable Positions for Sex During Pregnancy

A lot of couples are very interested in knowing if they should try different positions for sex during active pregnancy. There is no specific answer to this question, as it depends merely on individual preferences and chemistry between

the couple. For instance, in the later stages of pregnancy, it becomes almost impossible to have sex with your partner on top (due to uterine pressure and backache).Lying side by side (spooning position), sitting on a chair or bed (with back fully supported against a stationary surface) are some comfortable positions for sex that are usually associated with a favorable outcome. Other positions that are also considered safe and pleasurable for the pregnant female are; intercourse while sitting on knees or missionary position with woman on top.Oral Sex and PregnancyOral sex is another favorable path for pregnant females who are unable to engage in active sexual encounters due to back pain or other physical issues of pregnancy. However, it is strongly recommended to avoid chance encounters to minimize the risk of contracting infectious diseases.

Conditions In Which Caution Must be Maintained

In most low-risk pregnancies (such as multi-gravida or many times pregnant females) sexual intercourse is usually harmless, but if you have any of the listed conditions, you should avoid vigorous sexual activity (unless suggested otherwise by your physician):

• Low lying placenta
• Precious pregnancy (females who have a history of recurrent first trimester miscarriages)
• Recurrent vaginal bleeding due to a mass or polyp
• Multiple gestations (twin pregnancy)
• A history of recurrent urinary tract infection or vaginal infection (especially with microorganisms like Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis that are associated with preterm labor).

Sexual Life and a Safe Pregnancy

Many couples continue their sexual encounters during pregnancy without any substantial difficulty; but some females may experience displeasure or discomfort. A lot of couples are also skeptical about the safety of the fetus if the couple engages in the act of intercourse during pregnancy.There are just so many questions and queries in this subject with no absolute right or wrong answers. But here are a few tips to ensure safer pregnancy with sexual intercourse.

• Consult your physician or mid-wife to know the status of your pregnancy and if activities like sex can have a potential disastrous effect on the fetal development.
• Call your doctor immediately, if you notice any bleeding or discharge from your vagina or sudden onset of painful, spasmodic uterine contractions that does not resolve after 5-10 minutes of complete rest.
• Do not engage in chance sexual encounters in order to minimize your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections that may have a deleterious effect on your pregnancy.
• Some women may be asked to maintain complete abstinence from the sexual intercourse. In all such case, show care and love to your partner by kissing, hugging and non-sexual activities.

References:

1. Read, J. S., Klebanoff, M. A., & Prematurity Study Group. (1993). Sexual intercourse during pregnancy and preterm delivery: effects of vaginal microorganisms. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 168(2), 514-519.
2. Sagiv-Reiss, D. M., Birnbaum, G. E., & Safir, M. P. (2012). Changes in sexual experiences and relationship quality during pregnancy. Archives of sexual behavior, 41(5), 1241-1251.