Pregnant Sex

If you've arrived at the discovery that you're pregnant, you're old enough to know that you have to have sex to have a baby. But what about having sex while pregnant? The answer to that question may not be so clear. Here's a rundown on what you should know about having sex while you're pregnant:

If your pregnancy is developing as it should, there's no reason not to have sex whenever you feel the urge. On the other hand, you may not be in the mood too often. At the beginning, you can blame your lack of libido on changing hormones, morning sickness, and fatigue. Later on, in the second trimester, you may feel your desire reawaken as blood flow to the pelvic area and breasts increases. But once you hit your third trimester, a combination of weight gain, back aches, and myriad other pregnancy symptoms may put a spanner in the sexual works.

Pregnancy Myths

One old wives' tail is that sex in pregnancy can cause miscarriage. Those that swear by this myth believe that this applies most to the earliest stage of pregnancy. But it's only a myth. The fact is that most miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities or embryonic developmental issues. Miscarriages have little to do with anything the mother does or doesn't do.

Sex may seem too rough to have happening so close to a developing fetus, but the fact is that your baby is well-protected. The amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby in utero, along with the mucus plug that seals the cervix shut keeps the baby safe from any outside activity. You can't hurt your baby by having sex.

Any position you like is fine in pregnancy, as long as you feel comfortable. You may need to experiment a bit to see how pregnancy affects your position preferences. You may decide you prefer to be on top, or lying sideways. Don't be afraid to try new positions so you can find what feels right.

Air Embolism

Oral sex is fine during pregnancy, but your partner should refrain from blowing air into your vaginal cavity. There is a rare complication in which a sudden gust of air can interrupt the flow of blood within the blood vessel. This is called an air embolism and is a serious medical emergency threatening the lives of both you and your child.

Anal sex is best avoided during pregnancy. For one thing, this sexual act may cause discomfort if your pregnancy has generated hemorrhoids, a common symptom of pregnancy. More to the point, anal sex can spread bacteria from the rectum to the vagina which may result in infection.

Pregnancy does not stop you from being susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases that can harm you or your baby. So, if your partner has an STD, you and your partner are not long monogamous, or you've found a new partner, make sure your partner uses a condom.

No Risk

Orgasms do cause contractions, but these are not the same contractions you'll feel during labor. As long as your pregnancy is healthy, orgasms pose no risk for premature labor or birth. The belief that sex can bring on labor is just another myth.

There are times that sex is better avoided in pregnancy. Seek advice about whether it's safe for you to have sex if:

*You're high-risk for early labor

*There's vaginal bleeding and the cause is undetermined

*There is amniotic fluid leakage

*Your cervix is opening early (incompetent cervix)

*You have a partial or complete placenta previa