Will Sex During Pregnancy Harm My Baby?
While every pregnancy is different, some women report having a heightened sex drive during their second and third trimester. This can often lead them to wonder if sexual intercourse is harming their baby? Here’s everything you need to know about sex during pregnancy.
How Baby is Protected
The amniotic fluid in your uterus, along with the strong muscles of the uterus protect your growing baby. Sexual activity won’t affect your baby, as long as you don’t have complications such as preterm labor or placenta problems. If your pregnancy is healthy, then you absolutely can have sex! However, your growing belly may cause some discomforts during sex. More on that below.
Adjusting For Comfort
One of the only changes you may have to make to you and your partner’s sex routine during pregnancy will be the positions. As your belly grows, certain positions may be come uncomfortable. Most positions are safe during pregnancy.
Can Sex During Pregnancy cause a Miscarriage?
Nope! Having sex during pregnancy will not cause a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur due to the fetus not developing properly.
When Sex Should Be Avoided in Pregnancy
There are a few instances where sex should be avoided during pregnancy. For example, if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding or are leaking amniotic fluid, sex should be avoided. If you have been diagnosed with incompetent cervix or placenta previa, your doctor may recommend avoiding sex. If you have a history of preterm labor, it may also be suggested to avoid intercourse. Most of these conditions can have risky reactions to the hormone in sperm called prostaglandins which can cause uterine contractions.
