Sex in pregnancy. What to watch out for and what changes does it bring?

Sex in pregnancy is for some a natural part of this period. For others, thoughts of sex rather disappear.

When is sex in pregnancy safe and when should it be avoided?

Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period during which a woman encounters various changes and feelings. The expectant mother's body is changing. Emotions are often like a seesaw and the desire to make love can quickly fade.

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The beginning of the journey called pregnancy is quite challenging. The birth of a new life and the huge hormonal changes often bring with them fatigue, vomiting, pain and moodiness.

So-called morning sickness could easily turn into all-day sickness and you won't even think about intimate moments with your partner.

Approximately 60 to 80% of pregnant women experience physical weakness, nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. While not every woman may experience this, it is normal and quite common.

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You need not worry if you have no energy to spare in the first trimester. The condition settles down sometime during the 12th to 14th week.

Until then, be patient with yourself and your partner. Give yourself as much rest as possible.

Let your partner know that you care. Try to explain how you feel. Talk about your feelings and concerns.

Can sexual activity early in pregnancy cause miscarriage?

Sex is safe even in the first few weeks of pregnancy. If there are complications of pregnancy or a miscarriage, there are usually other reasons.

Also, there is no need to worry if you have just found out you are pregnant and are still taking birth control pills. They will not harm your baby. Studies have shown that taking the pill during pregnancy has no link to the occurrence of birth defects or other disorders.

Sex during pregnancy is completely safe in terms of future pregnancies. Therefore, there is no need to use any contraceptive methods. However, if you are having sex with a casual partner, it is hygienically necessary to use a condom.

The influx of energy in the second trimester of pregnancy

Nausea and fatigue usually gradually subside with the arrival of the second trimester. Some women hardly notice this change, others may suddenly feel a surge of energy and vitality.

Even libido, or sex drive, can increase significantly during this period. Again, hormones are to blame.

Breasts are fuller and more sensitive. Knowing that you are carrying new life under your heart gives you a greater sense of femininity and pride.

Increased blood flow causes more sensitivity in the female genital area, including the vagina and clitoris. This is where the most sensitive nerve endings are located. This can lead to more frequent and intense orgasms.

If you have no complications and your doctor has given the green light to your sex life, you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy this period to the fullest and without any regrets.

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However, some women still feel uncomfortable, feel unattractive or are worried about their baby.

The aforementioned increased blood supply to the intimate parts of the body may not only bring with it pleasurable pleasure. For many women, on the contrary, it is associated with discomfort or pain.

How do men perceive sex in pregnancy?

Some women enjoy making love in pregnancy and others do not. It is the same for men.

Expectant fathers are often afraid of injuring their partner or baby during lovemaking. However, sex during a physiological pregnancy is safe and poses no risk to the baby.

The baby is safely contained, protected by a sac of membranes and strong uterine muscles. The cervix is sealed with a thick mucus plug that protects the baby from infection. Moreover, it is anatomically impossible for the male penis to penetrate all the way to the baby.

Therefore, if you have an uneventful pregnancy and your doctor has not ordered sexual abstinence, there is no reason to avoid sex. Pregnancy is a natural state and sex belongs to this period as well.

Pregnancy and sexual positions

Although sex is allowed and safe in pregnancy, there may be situations that you are not entirely comfortable with. It is very individual. Every woman feels differently and something different may suit her at each stage of pregnancy.

It's the same with love positions. It's a time of change and discovering new possibilities. Together with your partner, give priority to what suits you both. Take advantage of intimate moments together to get to know each other better.

All classic sexual positions are safe in pregnancy. The baby is firmly placed in your womb. However, if you do not feel comfortable in a particular position, tell your partner.

When it comes to anal sex, it is important to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina. Therefore, it is important to observe hygiene measures and always take a shower after anal sex.

Pain during sex in pregnancy

There is no need to be alarmed if you have felt mild pain or cramps during lovemaking or climaxing. Most often, this is a combination of bodily changes, increased blood flow through the pelvic floor and muscle stretching.

Women may also experience mild uterine contractions after intercourse. However, these are harmless and will not induce labour unless the time is right.

Stress from fear of hurting the baby can also cause tension in the body. Try to relax or ask your partner for a massage. If your doctor has not forbidden you to make love, you have nothing to worry about.

However, if you have any doubts, don't be afraid to consult your doctor.

Reasons when your doctor may forbid sexual activity:

• Your pregnancy is risky
• You have given birth to a child prematurely in the past
• You are experiencing premature cervical shortening
• Placenta previa - or premature placental abruption, where the placenta is at the entrance to the birth canal
• Sexual intercourse is too painful for you or you bleed during intercourse
• The presence of an infection

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In this period, changes occur that can again cause a decrease in libido. The future mom gradually prepares for the arrival of the baby.

The tummy is gaining in size, which becomes really exhausting. Many moms describe back pain, the return of nausea or more pronounced swelling of the legs.

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Some positions become unrealistic during lovemaking. However, you and your partner are sure to find one that suits you both.

Sex during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Already during pregnancy, milk starts to form in the breasts of the mother-to-be. Sex can in some cases be a stimulus for its release. There is no need to worry about this. There is still enough of this precious fluid left for your baby.

However, avoid deliberately squeezing or sucking out the milk. The first milk that forms contains many important substances that your baby will need after birth.

Pregnancy and bleeding after sex

During pregnancy, the pelvic organs and the entire pelvic floor are more vascularised. So is the cervix, which is not only richly blooded but also softer.

Therefore, a little spotting or bleeding may occur after sex. Such bleeding does not pose a danger. But if in doubt, consult your doctor.

Can sex in pregnancy induce labour?

According to some research, male sperm contain so-called prostaglandins. These substances promote softening and shortening of the cervix.

During orgasm, the female body secretes oxytocin, which causes contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus. The production of oxytocin can also be increased by stimulating the breasts.

These substances could theoretically help induce labour, but only if the cervix and the uterus itself are actually ready for it.

There is no need to worry that sexual intercourse alone at a high stage of pregnancy will induce labour. If the body is not yet ready for labour, sex will not induce labour.