Sex During Pregnancy
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Article Courtesy of The March of Dimes
Sexual intimacy is a normal and healthy part of a committed relationship. Before pregnancy, you likely felt comfortable being intimate with your partner. Now that you’re pregnant, you may have questions or feel unsure about having sex with your partner.
There are lots of myths about sex and pregnancy, such as:
* Sex can be harmful or painful during pregnancy.
* Intercourse could hurt the baby.
* The baby somehow “knows” that sex is taking place.
Truth:
* Unless your health care provider advises you otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby.
* As for the baby, he or she has no idea what Mom and Dad are doing. The baby is well protected by a cushion of fluid in the womb and by the mom’s abdomen.
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Comment by ThirdTimer on Jun 01 2009 06:48:30:
There are lots of myths about sex and pregnancy, such as:
* Sex can be harmful or painful during pregnancy. …
This line automatically discredited the article for me. Especially since later, the statement is qualified by “…as long as you don’t have these risk factors.”
Out of three pregnancies, I have experienced painful sex in all, usually stemming from an orgasm. Though it may not happen every time, it can and does happen. In one case, I delivered preterm (which could be deemed “harmful”).
I will be the first to perpetuate the “myth” that sex can induce labor, even if you’re not “ready” or full term. It may not be the only factor in a successful induction, but it can be the deciding factor.
Both of my previous pregnancies (as well as at least 3 of my friends’ & relatives’) have ended after a night of sex. I’d even venture to say that the better the sex, the more likely the chance of causing contractions, which can lead to labor.
I think the most important thing about sex during pregnancy is to trust your gut. If something’s not feeling right, don’t hesitate to stop. Frustrating as it might be, it’s not worth pushing the matter. And be attentive to your body post-sex. If you feel “heavy” all day the next day or otherwise feel braxton hicks coming on, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
I’m somewhat surprised that the March of Dimes (who claim to be committed to finding and eliminating the causes of preterm births) would gloss over this topic. But then again, they fail to acknowledge the link between preterm births and previous abortions.
Comment by brad on Jun 03 2009 05:02:43:
@thirdtimer
You can’t discredit the article, which is obviously oriented toward a general audience, because of your individual experience. Sorry that you had to experience that, but not every woman will react the same way you do.