Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

During Pregnancy:
It is safe to have sex throughout pregnancy, as long as, there are no other issues, such as vaginal bleeding or any other complications. If there are any, or you suspect that there may be, you should contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

As pregnancy progresses couples may have to experiment with positions which will maximize the woman's comfort, and allow her to control the amount of penetration. If she is experiencing any discomfort the use of a lubricant might be helpful.

After Child Birth:
There is no set rule for this, although MEDICALLY, it is safe to resume sex six weeks after delivery.

However, one needs to take into consideration vaginal tenderness, and whether sex would be mutually satisfying and pleasurable.

All in all, one needs to consider how the new mother is feeling. There are too many influences and emotions to take into consideration. Be patient, and loving. Try and give your wife a break, some time to herself, to relax and exercise.

Safe positions
Positions that work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later stages of the baby's development.

For example, a woman should avoid lying flat on her back after the fourth month of pregnancy, because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional missionary position, such as lying sideways or having the woman on top.

There are many positions that are more comfortable as you expand. These include:

- Woman on top
- Spooning (Man behind woman, rear entry)
- Hands and Knees
- Side lying, knee pulled up

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Unsure about sex during pregnancy? Talk to other women about it in the forum