Don't let being pregnant put a damper on your sex life with your partner. Many parents-to-be fear that sex could set off a miscarriage or somehow harm the baby. But unless you have a high-risk pregnancy , you don't have to worry. Sex poses no danger to either the mother or the child.
Embarrassing questions have answers
- The man's penis will not touch your baby
- Semen does not enter the womb
- Orgasms can cause contractions, but they should not set off premature birth or miscarriage during the course of a normal pregnancy
Sex during a high-risk pregnancy
- Some women are told not to have sex by their doctor
- If you have any doubts or questions, get in touch with your doctor
- You will most likely be told to avoid or limit certain sexual acts if you've had:
- Premature labor or given birth early
- An infection, bleeding or a broken or leaking amniotic sac
- More than one failed pregnancy
- A health problem known as low-lying placenta (placenta previa)
Safe positions
- Talk with your doctor about safe sexual positions
- After the fourth or fifth month, a pregnant woman shouldn't lie flat on her back during sex
- At some points, some positions feel better than others
- Tune in to your body, and only do what feels good
- Here are some positions that may feel better:
- Both lying sideways, known as spooning when you both face the same way in bed takes the weight off you and leaves your partner free to move without your belly between you
- You can also face each other lying sideways as well
- Partner behind you, leaves your partner free to move and takes the weight and pressure off you
Is it normal to have cramps after having sex?
- Yes, many women find they have cramps after sex
- Because the cervix (the neck of your womb) is filled with blood when you are pregnant, you may see a spot or two of blood after having sex
- If you ever cramp and bleed, call your doctor, though chances are your body just needs a bit of time to settle down
- Your baby may move more after sex
Concerns about sex while you're pregnant
- Some parents worry about scaring their baby
- A pregnant mother may fear that her swelling belly makes her less pretty
- She may not want her partner to touch her tender breasts
- Hormones - those special body chemicals - make some women not want to have sex
- Others may find that their sex drive is on the rise
- Feeling tired or having an upset stomach and other pains may make the very thought of sex unappealing
Being close with your partner while pregnant
- The best way for you and your partner to get ready for the future with your baby is to stay in touch with each other
- Talk gently but honestly about your love life
- If you have fears or worries, share them with your partner
- If you are afraid that your changing body makes you less pretty, you may like it if your partner begins sex
- He or she may be afraid that sex could be painful for you and feel that he or she should wait for you to make the first move
- The only way you will know is by talking frankly and openly
- If your breasts are tender, tell your partner
- Show him or her what feels good, and try other positions
- Be sure to check in with him or her about his or her needs and desires
- If you don't feel like having sex, find other ways to keep up your physical bond
- Foreplay, massage and cuddling will help you stay close - even if they don't progress to sex
- Being pregnant can be a chance for both of you to get creative
Take care of your bond
- Try to avoid seeing sex as a chore or letting it become a sore subject
- Try to take care of each other's feelings
- Most couples go back to having normal sex during the first year of their baby's life
- Sex can make the bond between you and your partner stronger, which is one of the best gifts you can give your baby
[references] Copyright © 2010 LimeHealth