All about sex during pregnancy and after

Pregnant women and their husbands usually ask if it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. Can this work harm the fetus? Is it necessary to avoid certain sexual positions during this period? If you have questions about sex during pregnancy and after, stay with us in this article. Because all these issues have been dealt with briefly.

Is sex safe during pregnancy?

Having sex during pregnancy is completely normal. Of course, provided that the pregnancy itself was carried out under normal conditions. Sexual intercourse and sexual movements do not harm the fetus that is under the protection of the uterus and the muscular wall of the abdomen. In addition, the fetus is protected by the amniotic fluid.

Orgasm contractions are not the same as labor contractions. However, some doctors still recommend avoiding sex in the final weeks of pregnancy in order to be cautious. Because they believe that hormones in semen, known as prostaglandins, can stimulate uterine contractions.

One of the exceptions in this field is women whose delivery is delayed and who intend to speed up their delivery. Some doctors believe that the prostaglandins present in semen can accelerate the delivery of a mature or post-term fetus (a fetus that has been in the mother’s womb for more than 42 weeks).

The gels that are used for the so-called “operation” of the cervix and induction of labor also contain prostaglandins. Meanwhile, some other doctors believe that the connection between semen and childbirth is just a hypothesis and that sex does not accelerate childbirth.

Regarding orgasm, it should be said that since the contractions during orgasm are different from the contractions during childbirth, there is no problem in this regard.

When should you avoid sex during pregnancy?

In high-risk pregnancies, such as the following, the doctor may ask you to refrain from sex during pregnancy:

Remember that if the doctor prohibits sex during pregnancy, this means that any orgasm and sexual arousal (not just intercourse) will also be prohibited.
Every woman’s pregnancy situation is unique, including how she feels about sex. Some women lose their libido during pregnancy. Meanwhile, in some other women, sexual desire during pregnancy increases more than before.

Another important point is that sexual desire during pregnancy may increase or decrease under the influence of hormonal changes. Some women’s libido declines as their bellies get bigger, while others feel that they have gained more sex appeal as their bellies and breasts get bigger.
Therefore, it is necessary to talk about your sexual feelings with your partner. You may need to change your sexual position. This issue becomes important especially in the late pregnancy when the comfort and at the same time irritability of the mother is raised.

After the fourth month of pregnancy, avoid lying on your back during sex (open-arched position). This prevents the growing fetus from putting pressure on the large vessels (inferior vena cava).

Another way to make sex easier is to have a side-by-side sex position. A woman sitting on top of a man is also one of the appropriate sexual positions of this era.
As always, if you do not know about your partner’s sexual history, you should use a condom because pregnancy does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, genital herpes, or chlamydia.

Sex after childbirth

Six weeks after giving birth is called the postpartum period. Sex may be your last priority during this time. The reasons for decreased libido during this period are:

Sex is usually safe after the incision site has completely healed or the delicate vaginal tissues have healed. This recovery usually takes a few weeks. In this regard, you can also use the doctor’s recommendations. Most doctors recommend not having sex until 6 weeks after giving birth.

Another important issue is that sex should be done when a person is physically and mentally ready. Both you and your partner should be able to wait. Due to the issues and problems of taking care of the children, it may take up to a year to return to the previous sex life.

When should a pregnant woman stop having sex?

A pregnant woman should avoid sexual intercourse if she has experienced the following :

conclusion

In conclusion, this article has explored various aspects related to sex during pregnancy and after. It is evident that engaging in sexual activities during pregnancy is generally safe and can contribute positively to the physical and emotional well-being of both the pregnant woman and her partner.

However, it is crucial for individuals to communicate openly with their healthcare providers and follow any necessary precautions or modifications based on their specific circumstances. Additionally, postpartum sexuality is a topic that requires attention and support, as many individuals experience changes in their sexual desires, physical discomforts, and emotional adjustments following childbirth.

By promoting open communication, providing accurate information, and offering resources and support, healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in assisting couples as they navigate this important aspect of their relationship during and after pregnancy.