Sex during early pregnancy

Although sex is often the last thing on your mind during early pregnancy, many couples worry that it will be harmful to their developing baby. You may be concerned that intercourse or orgasms will hurt the baby or bring on early labour, but unless you have been advised not to have sex by your healthcare provider, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a healthy sex life whilst pregnant. Your baby is protected by a mucus plug, which seals it in the womb and protects it from any infection.

During pregnancy there is an increased blood flow around your pelvic area caused by hormonal changes, and this can bring out a heightened sense of arousal, sensitive nipples, breasts and longer orgasms whilst pregnant, due to the physical changes of pregnancy. There is also some research that suggests that babies benefit from parent’s making love because of the increase in oxygen generated in the womb.

Breasts Tender breasts can make sex uncomfortable, but this is not usually a problem until later in the pregnancy. Colostrum is pre-milk, which can leak from your breasts when you are aroused (or when you hear a baby crying) but this is not usually a problem till the later stages of pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge Because of hormonal changes in your body, the consistency, volume and odour of your vaginal discharge will probably change during pregnancy. Some women (and men) can tell they are pregnant, just by the taste and smell of vaginal discharge. This can mean an increased lubrication for some couples.

Oral sex and pregnancy
Oral sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy, as long as your partner is careful not to blow into your vagina. This could force air into your bloodstream and be dangerous for you and your baby.

When should sex be avoided in pregnancy?
If you have a tendency to miscarry, it may be wise to abstain from sex until you are passed 12 weeks.
If you have a history of pre-term labour, or are experiencing signs of early labour it may be suggested that you avoid sex in the last trimester.
If you have a low-lying placenta or placenta preavia, avoid sex in the last trimester.
If you experience any vaginal bleeding, stop having sex and see your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Positions for sex in pregnancy
As your bump gets bigger there will be positions, like the man on top, which get trickier to enjoy in the latter stages of pregnancy. There are lots of other positions that are fun and safe for your growing bump and enjoyable for you.
Woman on top is probably the easiest to master, and involves you sitting astride on your partner, or squatting. Try to let your arms take the weight of your body, rather than your stomach.

All fours can be a good position in the later stages of pregnancy when your bump is getting big. You kneel on all fours and your partner kneels behind you. Make sure your arms are taking your weight not your stomach. You can rest against the side of a bed if this makes it easier, or use a pillow underneath your knees if it hurts.

Side-by-side (or spoons) is great for when your bump becomes really big at the end of the pregnancy as you are both lying down and your bump is supported. You can lie on your back with your legs over his, or you can both lie side-by-side with your partner behind you.

Sitting down is a good position in the first two trimesters, but as your bump gets bigger it may be difficult for your partner to support your weight. Your partner sits on a chair and you straddle him, either facing him, or facing away from him.

Bear in mind that orgasms stimulate the production of oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. If you feel contractions in your uterus after you have had an orgasm, don’t worry. They are just practise contractions and should settle down after a while.

For a more detailed look at sex and pregnancy read, Pregnancy sex: the good, the bad and the ugly.