Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Expectant mothers may feel worried about endangering the baby as a result of having sex during pregnancy. In addition, morning sickness inhibits sexual desires so much that pregnant women often do not feel inclined to have sex.  Despite any reservations the mothers-to-be may have, there is in fact no physical reason for prohibiting sex during the early stages of pregnancy.

However, sex is strongly discouraged during pregnancy if the pregnant woman is carrying twins or has a history of problematic pregnancies, including miscarriage, placenta previa, bleeding, preterm PROM, prostaglandin, or is cervical incompetent. Sex is also inadvisable if the husband has a propensity for sexually-transmitted diseases. In any case, pregnant women should not have sex if advised not to do so under doctor’s orders.

If you do have sex during pregnancy, follow this advice:  During the early stage of pregnancy when the body has not yet enlarged, choose a position that the expectant mother feels comfortable with. When the body becomes fully enlarged, there are some suggested positions. You and your partner can lie on your sides with you in the front, while your partner is behind you in a ‘spooning’ position. Another practical position is the woman on top, or ‘WOT’ position, one variation of which involves you straddling your partner while he is sitting in a comfortable chair. Note that your partner is prohibited from being on top.

Having sex requires consent from both parties. If expectant mothers are not comfortable physically and mentally, there should  be no obligation to perform. At the same time, the husband has to be very understanding and sensitive to the woman’s state of mind and comfort.

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