You are pregnant. And now you may worry that having sex while pregnant is not safe. Will the penis harm the baby? Can sex cause miscarriage? Can the baby feel sex? Is it okay to have an orgasm during pregnancy? Is sex during pregnancy safe? For many women, the libido can be greatly affected during pregnancy – either boosted or diminished – which can add to sexual questions and concerns.

Perhaps the best rule of thumb to follow is that unless you have a high-risk pregnancy and have been advised otherwise by your healthcare provider, sex is considered safe during pregnancy. That being said, whether you have sex, enjoy sex, or are comfortable with sex while pregnant is entirely a personal decision. Your normal may be different from someone else’s normal, and that is perfectly okay.

Medically speaking, sex is considered safe unless you have a history of: cervical weakness, a low-lying placenta (placenta previa), heavy bleeding, or vaginal infection. If any of these conditions are present, doctors advise you to abstain from intercourse.

One of the most common myths about sex during pregnancy is that sex will bring on labor. In fact, many women who go past their due date try having sex in order to bring on labor because the semen can act as a stimulant, as can the hormone oxytocin. Even so, if you are not ready to give birth, having sex will not bring on pre-term or early labor.

One of the most important things to remember is that some positions during sex will likely not be comfortable for you. The trick is finding positions that work well around your cumbersome belly, and that don’t put excess pressure on your back and abdomen.

Additionally, once you have lost your mucous plug (in the third trimester) any bacteria from the penis or semen can be passed along to your baby. If you are in the mood for lovemaking, it might be wise to use protection. Remember that certain STD’s can be present without symptoms and they too can be passed unwittingly along to your baby causing complications during delivery and afterwards.

The truth is, that your sexual preferences during pregnancy are personal. You and your partner should work together to find sexual positions and levels of intimacy that both of you are comfortable with. Additionally, if you feel any pain during intercourse, you should speak with your doctor and avoid intercourse, if possible.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Chances are you or your partner have worried about whether or not having sex while you are pregnant would hurt your baby. The truth is that there are men all over this world that believe their penis is so large, that having sex with their pregnant partner will lead to some sort of permanent brain damage or deformation to the unborn baby, or they worry that the baby can actually feel their penis during sex. Sure, this may be an embarrassing question to ask – but in truth, it is only one of hundreds of natural pregnancy concerns felt by expectant parents.

While this may be a blow to male pride, the reality is that according to health professionals around the globe, there is not a penis large enough to actually touch or harm the baby during intercourse – even if the penis does reach the cervix.

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that as long as you are having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, sex during pregnancy is 100% safe, even in the third trimester. They also suggest to use your body as a guide, and that if a woman is comfortable in certain sexual positions without feeling pain or discomfort, than this is a sign that the baby is fine as well.

If your partner is worried that penetration will harm or touch your unborn baby, you need to inform him that the baby is fully protected in an amniotic fluid, and that the mucous plug located at the cervix, protects the baby from feeling any bumps or jolts during intercourse. Even if your partner is well endowed, there is no chance that he is large enough to cause any sort of damage to the baby during sex.

Often times, men become leery of sex during pregnancy because they feel that the baby will ‘know’ what is going on, or be able to feel their penis during sex. Three makes a crowd, right?  You should know that it is normal for men to shy away from intercourse for this very reason, and that it has nothing to do with how your partner feels about you. If you are feeling amorous, all you can do is (kindly) reassure your partner that everything will be okay (even forward him this article if you need to).

This of course doesn’t mean that pregnancy is the time to experiment with sex toys, or engage in rough sex – however routine intimacy is perfectly healthy if both you and your partner are willing. And there is no need to worry that you will physically or emotionally scar your baby for life.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4@MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.