Many women are worried about having sex when pregnant. Actually, it’s okay to have sex while pregnant. However, there are still rules that need to be considered. One of the reasons why pregnant women are afraid of having sex during pregnancy is anxiety that this activity could have a negative impact on the condition of the fetus developing in the womb. However, it is actually okay to have sex while pregnant as long as the mother and partner are both comfortable doing it. Actually, sexual intercourse will not threaten the life of the fetus. Not without reason, there is a lot of natural protection that comes from the mother’s body, such as amniotic fluid, the muscles in the uterus, and mucus that helps cover the cervix. Intimate relations are quite safe at any gestational age.
Maternal and Fetal Health Conditions and Recommended Positions
The following are several rules that mothers and partners must pay attention to when they want to have sex during pregnancy, including the following:
- Make sure the womb and mother are in good health.
Mothers and husbands must ensure that the womb is healthy. This means that there are no indications of anything that could endanger the life of the fetus, such as rupture of the membranes, opening of the cervix, or infection. - Reduce sexual intercourse in the first trimester.
Sperm contains prostaglandin compounds which can trigger contractions. Therefore, if the mother’s gestational age is still relatively young or is in the first trimester, it is best to reduce sexual intercourse. The reason is, at this gestational age it is very prone to contractions or miscarriage. Not only that, the mother’s condition during the first trimester may decline due to frequent nausea and vomiting. Usually, sexual desire decreases. - Make sure there is no history of bleeding.
Next, make sure the mother has no history of bleeding during pregnancy and does not suffer from placenta previa. This condition occurs when the placenta or placenta is attached to the lower part of the uterus, either partially or completely. The impact of this problem is very serious, ranging from the potential for a closed birth canal to serious bleeding during pregnancy, especially when approaching delivery. Of course, this will be very dangerous for both the mother and fetus. - Recommended sexual positions.
Entering the second trimester, the mother’s stomach will begin to enlarge due to the increasing size of the fetus. He said, it is in the second trimester that sexual relations are recommended. However, still make sure the mother is in the right position to remain comfortable. It’s best to avoid the supine position because it causes pressure on the stomach and surrounding blood vessels.The recommended sexual positions are:
- Spooning position.
This spooning position is very comfortable for pregnant women, especially during the third trimester. In this position, the pregnant woman can sleep on her side and the partner lies behind the pregnant woman while penetrating. To make pregnant women more comfortable and make penetration easier, pregnant women can place several pillows on one of their legs. - Side by side position.
Another safe and comfortable sex position to do during pregnancy is the side by side position. This position is done by lying on the bed, then the pregnant woman and her partner face each other. Penetration carried out in this position can also be deeper. Apart from being comfortable, this position can increase intimacy because the pregnant woman and her partner are facing each other. - Woman on top position.
Woman on top is a safe position to do during pregnancy because it does not put pressure on the pregnant woman’s stomach. In this position, pregnant women can control the speed and depth of penetration. If you are tired of moving, pregnant women can ask their partner to move their hips, while the pregnant woman holds on to his legs. - Doggy style position.
Sex in the doggy style position is done in a kneeling position, then the body bends with the elbows and the hands support the body as if on all fours. This position does not put pressure on the bladder and uterus, so it is safe to do while pregnant. Penetration carried out in the doggy style position can also be deeper.
- Spooning position.
- Reduce sex before delivery.
Not only in the first trimester, mothers should also reduce sex before giving birth. Remember, reduce it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. The reason is, having sex at this gestational age can trigger premature labor. Mothers also need to know that pregnancy also influences a woman’s desire to have sex in different ways. This is due to increased hormones and blood flow to vital organs which can increase the desire of some pregnant women to have sex, especially in the second trimester. Meanwhile, several other pregnant women actually experience a decrease in sexual desire. Usually, this occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, feeling uncomfortable with your body, fatigue, or feeling physical pain.
Pregnant women are not advised to have sex during pregnancy if their partner has a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. It is feared that this could transmit the disease to pregnant women and fetuses. The use of condoms is also recommended during sex during pregnancy to prevent sexually transmitted infections that harm the pregnant mother and fetus. Sex during pregnancy will provide many benefits for the pregnant mother and fetus, as long as it is done well and correctly and in a healthy pregnancy.
If pregnant women do not want to have sex while pregnant. There are still many other ways besides sex to maintain intimacy with your partner. The important thing is to always communicate what you feel with your partner. If you need help from a doctor or midwife, don’t hesitate to ask or consult. With consultation, mothers and partners will get solutions to the problems they are experiencing.
