Sex during early pregnancy
Although sex is often the last thing on your mind during early pregnancy, when you’re coping with morning sickness, tiredness and tender breasts, many couples who do feel the urge to get it on avoid doing so because they’re worried it might harm their developing baby.
Is it safe?
You may be concerned that intercourse or orgasms will hurt the baby or bring on early labor, but unless you’ve been advised not to have sex by your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a healthy sex life while you’re pregnant. The fact that blood flow to your pelvic area and vaginal lubrication increase in pregnancy means you may enjoy it more, so you go, girl – your baby is protected by a mucus plug that seals your uterus, so he won’t be any the wiser!
Oral sex is also safe, assuming you don’t have any pregnancy complications – but your partner needs to avoid blowing any air into your vagina as this could potentially cause air to enter your bloodstream, which could put your baby at risk.
When sex isn’t safe
You’ll probably be advised to avoid sex if you experience any of these complications:
- A history of repeated miscarriage.
- Vaginal bleeding.
– A sexually transmitted disease or active herpes in either you or your partner.
- Placenta previa (low-lying placenta), when you might be advised to avoid sex in late pregnancy.
- A history of pre-term labor and/or signs that your cervix is dilating or your waters have broken (see signs that labor is close).
- An incompetent (weak) cervix.
Also see pregnancy sex: the good the bad, and the ugly.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 05/07/2007
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