Sex In Pregnancy
Sexuality is inherent in everyone. It is fundamental to human existence. Apart from reproduction, it is an important recreation activity for humankind. Sex is also important to maintain harmony in a relationship. However, sex in pregnancy has always been a social taboo especially in the eastern society. We find that many couples are concerned about its safety but are usually too shy to ask. There were many myths and misconception about sex in pregnancy. Most people are fearful because they thought it can lead to miscarriage and premature birth.
1. What is the effect of pregnancy on your sexual relationship?
During the first trimester, the common symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and increased need to urinate may cause some women to have reduced sex drive. Some women feel too exhausted to have sex. These symptoms usually improve during the second trimester and the sexual desire improved. However, during the third trimester, the pregnant tummy becomes more prominent and it becomes more difficult to have sex. Some women find that their movements are limited and it is uncomfortable to have sex and therefore the sexual desire is reduced.
Some men find it difficult to have sex with their partner during pregnancy as they find it difficult to reconcile their partner’s identity as a sexual partner and an expectant mother. Some men are too worried about harming the baby to attempt sex.
On the other hand, some women feel that pregnancy freed them from worries about conception and contraception and this make them feel sexier than ever. The increased blood flow to the pelvic region can lead to easier arousal and heighten the sensation. Couples are encouraged to be creative with modification of sexual positions during pregnancy. If sex is difficult or unappealing, try cuddling, kissing or massage. The most important thing is to enjoy the closeness with your partner and communication is of utmost importance.
2. What is the effect of sexual intercourse on pregnancy?
Sex is not harmful for the baby. The baby lies safely in the muscular wall of the womb and is surrounded by the fluid in the amniotic bag. The mucous plug which seals off the neck of the womb from vagina will prevent any possible ascending infection. Some women experience mild contractions during arousal and orgasm. These contractions are not strong enough to initiate labour.
There had been constant fear that sex during pregnancy causes preterm labour. However, studies had shown that frequent sexual intercourse is not associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. Sex during late pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of preterm delivery.There were also concerns that sex during pregnancy is associated with higher risk of infections. However, studies had shown that sex is not related to bacterial infection and does not predispose the pregnant women to preterm delivery.
3. Does sex in late pregnancy helps to hasten the ripening of the cervix and induce labour?
There is not enough evidence to show whether sexual intercourse is effective in hastening the ripening of the cervix and induce labour. However, most study has shown that sexual intercourse at term is not associated with ripening of the cervix and does not hasten labour. It is important to note that nipple stimulation in late pregnancy may cause uterus to contract rigorously and cause profound changes to baby’s heart rate.
4. When is sex during pregnancy becomes UNSAFE?
There are a few circumstances during pregnancy whereby sex becomes unsafe. However, this is mainly because there are limited safety data on sexual activities with these conditions. The actual harm of sexual intercourse in these conditions is difficult to quantify. These situations include:
- A history of preterm labour or signs indicating the risk of preterm labour
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping
- Your water bag has broken
- You have low lying placenta or placenta praevia
- You have incompetent cervix
- You are expecting more than one baby (twins or more)
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REFERENCES:
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7. Viegas OA, Arulkumaran S. Does coitus embarrass the fetus? Lancet. 1984; 1 (8384): 1015.
8. Kavanagh J, Kelly AJ, Thomas J. Sexual intercourse for cervical ripening and of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(2): CD003093.
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