Sex is common while pregnant, even though the frequency can differ between couples. Sex is more prone to taper off in late gestational stages due to pain and discomfort, however this isn't necessarily the case. There are lots of myths out there concerning sex and pregnancy. These myths relate to fears of harming the expectant mother or even the developing fetus.
Let’s take a look at some of these myths and see why they aren't true.
- Myth #1: Sex during pregnancy is not safe
- Myth #2: Sex while pregnant harms the fetus
- Myth #3: Sex during pregnancy induces labor
- Myth #4: Sex while pregnant causes miscarriages
Myth #1: Sex is not safe during pregnancy
Due to the bodily changes that is included with pregnancy, some women may feel more uncomfortable or may go through more pain during sexual intercourse; pain may limit the frequency of sex or cause couples to vary sexual positions during pregnancy. Certain kinds of sex for example oral sex or anal sex are theorized to improve the risk of a blood clot in pregnant women. Some experts may suggest to abstain from oral or anal sex during pregnancy because of this theorized risk; however, other experts believe oral and anal sex are safe and can be enjoyed during pregnancy as long as the partner avoids blowing air into the vagina during oral sex particularly. The serious concern with oral sex is that blowing air into the vagina may cause thrombus and other complications in some women that are pregnant.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that sex is protected throughout pregnancy unless your doctor instructs you differently. Position or kind of sex may have to be modified during pregnancy, but sex is considered safe in females with a normal, healthy, low risk pregnancy. Much more comfortable sexual positions for women while pregnant can include lying in your corner or positions to deal with or knees.
A doctor will recommend abstaining from sex while pregnant in females at high risk of preterm labor (ex. carrying twins, vaginal infection, pelvic inflammatory disease), an incompetent or weak cervix, previous miscarriage, or with bleeding associated with placenta previa (a condition causing the placenta to lie lower in the uterus near the cervical opening).
Myth #2: Sex harms the fetus
The fetus develops using the fluid-filled amniotic sac within the womb. The fluid in the amniotic sac is known as amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid serves to protect the infant by preserve a constant temperature, preventing infection, and providing a cushion-like environment. The amniotic sac is closed off with a mucous plug that seals the cervix until birth. The muscles of the uterus also help to protect the unborn child.
Myth #3: Sex induces labor
Evidence lacks conclusive certainty to aid the concept that sex will induce labor in pregnant women. Theoretically, the release of oxytocin can occur with genital and nipple stimulation or orgasm during intercourse. Oxytocin may be the body’s natural hormone that causes uterine contractions during labor. Other chemicals called prostaglandins could be released through the body by sexual stimulation of the cervix, orgasm, or by semen. These prostaglandins can prepare the cervix for labor by opening and softening the cervical tissue; this is also referred to as cervical ripening.
Myth #4: Sex causes miscarriages
Many ladies who experience miscarriage may feel they did something which caused their miscarriage. In reality, approximately half of early miscarriages result from random genetic abnormalities. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that sex while pregnant doesn't cause miscarriage.
Takeaways
In women with normal, safe pregnancies, sex is recognized as safe. Often, couples may have sex less often during pregnancy because of discomfort and pain or they've already to modify their sexual positions during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend abstaining from sex for those who have a bad risk pregnancy characterized by conditions for example hemorrhage/placenta previa or perhaps a weak cervix.