Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy
Even though the mother is pregnant, sexual intercourse is not prohibited. However, there are several conditions in which pregnant women are advised not to have sexual relations in order to maintain the health of the fetus and mother. Having sexual relations while pregnant is actually safe and permissible, as long as the mother’s pregnancy is healthy and normal. As long as the pregnant woman does not experience health problems, sex will not hurt the fetus or have a negative impact on the pregnant woman. In fact, sex during pregnancy can provide benefits for pregnant women and their partners, namely increasing harmony and reducing stress during pregnancy. Sexual intercourse is also a good form of exercise for pregnant women. Even though sexual intercourse is permitted during pregnancy, in fact there are several conditions in which pregnant women are prohibited from having sexual intercourse because it can harm the mother and fetus.
Conditions for Pregnant Women Who Are Prohibited from Having Sexual Relations
The following are several conditions in which pregnant women should reduce or even not have sexual relations:
- Mothers who have given birth prematurely. What is called premature birth is a condition when a pregnant woman gives birth at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks or is not yet full term. The causes are very varied, ranging from infection, genetic abnormalities in the fetus, disorders of the uterus or cervix, disorders of fetal growth and development, lack of nutrition, to severe stress. Pregnant women who have a history of premature birth may experience it again. Therefore, if a pregnant woman has a history of giving birth prematurely, the doctor or midwife may prohibit the pregnant woman and her partner from having sexual relations to reduce the risk of this happening again.
- The condition of pregnant women who are at high risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage is the end of pregnancy with the expulsion of the fetus or embryo before it has the ability to survive outside the womb, namely at a gestational age of less than 20 weeks or in the first trimester, thereby causing death. The causes of miscarriage are also very diverse, namely genetic abnormalities in the fetus, infections during pregnancy, side effects of drugs, problems with the uterus, or certain diseases, such as diabetes. Miscarriage can also occur again, if the pregnant woman has experienced this condition before. If a pregnant woman experiences certain conditions that are at risk of causing miscarriage, the doctor or midwife may advise the pregnant woman and her partner not to have sexual relations during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women who have placental disorders. Pregnant women who experience placental disorders, such as placenta previa and placental abruption, are generally prohibited or advised to limit sexual relations. This is done because orgasm can stimulate uterine contractions, thereby risking causing vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. When this happens, the condition of the pregnant woman and fetus can be problematic.
- Mothers who experience vaginal bleeding. Bleeding during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, is quite common in some pregnant women. Usually there is no need to worry about this condition, because bleeding early in pregnancy may indicate implantation or attachment of the embryo (future fetus) to the uterine wall. However, bleeding during pregnancy can also be a sign of a serious condition that can endanger the health of the mother and fetus, especially if the bleeding does not stop or is accompanied by severe pain in the uterus. To find out the exact cause of vaginal bleeding that pregnant women experience, pregnant women need to have their womb checked by a doctor or midwife. If the bleeding is dangerous, the doctor or midwife may advise the pregnant woman not to have sexual relations for a while, because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- The condition of pregnant women who have cervical disorders. Having sexual intercourse when you have cervical problems, for example a weak or short cervix, can endanger pregnancy at any time. Therefore, pregnant women who have problems with the cervix should not have sexual intercourse to prevent miscarriage or premature birth.
Having sexual intercourse during pregnancy is not something that should be avoided, as long as the pregnant woman and fetus are healthy. However, if a pregnant woman experiences one or several of the conditions described above, it is better for the pregnant woman and her partner to postpone it. What you need to remember is that the health of pregnant women and fetuses is very important and needs to be a priority at this time. In order to increase intimacy during pregnancy, there are things that pregnant women and their partners can do besides having sex, namely spending more time together doing enjoyable activities, such as watching films, cooking, reading books, or exercising.
If the pregnant woman does not have a condition that prohibits sexual intercourse, the pregnant woman may continue to have sexual relations with her partner. However, if pregnant women are still in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your obstetrician or midwife about its safety in the pregnant woman’s pregnancy. They will definitely provide the best advice for mothers and partners regarding sexual relations during pregnancy, of course based on the condition and condition of the mother and fetus.
