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Sex during pregnancy-what is worth knowing about it?

Sex during pregnancy-what is worth knowing about it?

30.04.2023

4 mins of reading

Kinga Żebrowska

Kinga Żebrowska

Graduate of Warsaw Medical University

A common question from parents-to-be is whether sex during pregnancy is safe for the developing baby. The answer to this question is clear for uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. However, there are situations in which sex during pregnancy is prohibited. Find out what sex positions are recommended during pregnancy and whether intimate gels can be used.

Concerns of Parents-to-be about allegedly hitting the baby or possible concussions during sex during pregnancy are medically unfounded. Cohabitation in a physiological healthy pregnancy is therefore neither dangerous nor even more forbidden. This is because the developing fetus is protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus. During the first trimester, a pregnant woman’s libido is most often lowered, but in the remaining weeks of pregnancy, moms-to-be derive a lot of pleasure from close-ups with their partner.

Sex during pregnancy-when not allowed?

Cohabitation during pregnancy is not always safe or permitted. It is always worth asking your attending physician about this. Sex during pregnancy cannot be practiced in the case of, among other things:

  • anterior placenta,
  • carotid insufficiency,
  • multifetal pregnancy,
  • threatened miscarriage,
  • The outflow of amniotic fluid,
  • genital tract bleeding.

It is also important to keep in mind that if there is an active infection in the genital tract or urinary tract, sexual intercourse can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature rupture of fetal membranes and preterm labor.

Sexual positions during pregnancy

There are no specific recommendations as to what sexual positions are advisable during pregnancy. Always keep in mind the comfort of both partners. It is also advisable to avoid pressure on the woman’s abdomen and pressure on the inferior vena cava, which could lead to blood outflow disorders. For this reason, it is better for a pregnant woman not to lie on her back during sex, but to be over her partner, for example.

Sex during pregnancy- greater risk of intimate infections

Pregnant women are more prone to various types of infections than before pregnancy. This is due to the reduced immunity of the body. The appearance of intimate infections is also influenced by hormonal changes. If alarming symptoms appear, this fact should be reported to the attending physician, who, based on the symptoms and test results, may recommend the use of, for example, globules or ointments. During the course of the infection, you should refrain from sex until it is cured.

Does sex during pregnancy speed up labor?

Sex during pregnancy should be abandoned, among other things. Women at risk of preterm labor. This is due to the secretion of oxytocin during intercourse, which intensifies uterine contractions, as well as the presence of prostaglandins in the man’s sperm. For exactly the same reason, having sex is among the home methods for speeding up labor in the case of a term or post-term pregnancy.

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Intimate moisturizing gels during pregnancy

During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women complain of vaginal dryness. This causes considerable discomfort, among other things. During intercourse. In addition, many moms-to-be suffer from vulvar varicose veins, which also exacerbates unpleasant discomfort. For this reason, pregnant women often turn to various types of moisturizing gels or lubricants containing, for example, hyaluronic acid. However, it is always important to make sure that a particular preparation is safe for pregnant women. It is best if it is unscented and does not contain preservatives that can affect the vaginal environment.

Sex after childbirth

Regardless of whether a woman has given birth by natural means or by C-section, doctors advise against intercourse for about 6-8 weeks after delivery. This is the postpartum period, when the risk of possible infection is high. In addition, many women have a low libido during this period due to hormonal changes, as well as stress and new responsibilities for the woman. Approval to return to intercourse should be given by the gynecologist at the postpartum visit. It is also important to remember that breastfeeding does not count as a contraceptive method, and the timing of the return of ovulation is individual for each woman.

 

 

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