Is it possible to have sex during pregnancy, sexual rest, positions, discharge

Is it possible to have sex during pregnancy?

It is important to understand that bearing a child can significantly change not only the physical, but also the emotional and mental components of a woman’s life. Therefore, certain amendments will be made to the intimate intimacy of the spouses, including due to the peculiarities of well-being, some pathologies, and then the growing belly. Therefore, the question of the possibility of sex during gestation, as well as its frequency and some purely technical nuances, is individual. All issues related to intimacy should be discussed in the office of the attending obstetrician-gynecologist; he can give recommendations based on the general condition, the dynamics of fetal development, and additional criteria. There are also a number of general recommendations, as well as myths and misconceptions regarding the intimate side of the lives of spouses who are expecting an addition.

Important

In ancient times, it was believed that sex during pregnancy should be prohibited, intimacy was needed in order to procreate, and therefore after conception it was important to refuse any contact. In modern culture and traditions, there is a different attitude towards the intimate side of life; sex during gestation is not denied; if there are no medical contraindications, you can have sex until childbirth.

How to have sex during pregnancy

Some future parents voluntarily refuse intimacy during gestation due to their own beliefs that such actions can harm the fetus or the health of the expectant mother. But it is important not to worry or be afraid, and not to deny yourself pleasure. If there are no objective medical prohibitions or obstacles, intimate intimacy cannot harm either the embryo, and then the fetus, or the walls of the uterus or its cervix, or the fetal bladder. Moreover, sensual pleasure and positive emotions that a woman receives during intimacy have a very positive and beneficial effect on the blood circulation of the placenta and the development of the fetus.

The child, due to his development, simply does not understand and does not see the actions that his future parents perform. However, many couples during pregnancy face psychological problems regarding sexual intercourse. Some men or women have the feeling that they are no longer alone in the marital bed. Psychologists say that the fetus should not be considered separately from the mother, as long as it is a single organism, and the attitude should be like a woman.

There may be certain psychological difficulties in the very attitude of a man who begins to perceive his partner as the mother of a future baby. This makes him refrain from intimacy, although this attitude is incorrect. She remains a woman, and the couple's intimate relationship during gestation is no less important than before. Sometimes pregnant sex gives partners new dimensions of sensations and brings them even closer before a new event for the family.

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Sometimes there are periods when, due to changes in the body, emotional background or ailments, a woman may simply not want to, this also needs to be approached with understanding. Libido and sensations from intimacy during gestation change significantly.

Alternative

There are married couples who do not want to endure and abstain. Oral sex is recommended, which is completely harmless. It is not advisable to have anal sex while abstinence is required; the act causes bleeding of the uterus.

How to start an intimate life after sexual rest:

accept your body and don’t be shy;
practice oral sex until the end of the period of abstinence;
use lubricants.

Medical practice has shown that with low libido, women still want to have pleasure. The first attempts at oral sex promote recovery, so complete sexual rest after childbirth can be completed within 2 months after the birth of the newborn. As a result, the body will quickly return to normal without complications.

Intimate life is the basis of family well-being. Psychologists confirm this. If a woman does not get out of her depression, it is recommended to seek medical help. The support and understanding of your spouse is important.

Thus, sexual rest after childbirth is mandatory. The restoration of intimate life between husband and wife occurs in the presence of complete trust, then there will be harmony. If you are comfortable with your man, then the beginning of your sexual life after the birth of a child will be successful.

Changes in female libido during gestation

Sex at the beginning of the first trimester, especially while pregnant with your first child, can lead to decreased libido. There may be several reasons for this - the development of pain in the lower abdomen, severe toxicosis, drowsiness with weakness. Plus, it’s worth adding completely natural fears and worries that are associated with illness and new sensations.

By the second trimester, the emotional and physical state of the expectant mother becomes stable and satisfactory, so the general mood and attitude towards intimacy changes. Most fears associated with sex also disappear, and the structure and functioning of the genitals change. Due to increased blood circulation, the sensitivity of the intimate area increases, which leads to a natural increase in libido. During this period, the intimacy of the couple changes for the better, intimate relationships can acquire special brightness.

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Against the background of orgasm, endorphins, which are released in large volumes, help to relax and can have a beneficial effect on the child.

By the third trimester, your sex drive may decrease due to physical discomfort from body changes, an increase in abdominal volume, and excess weight. In addition, there may be health problems, gestosis, swelling, frequent urination, which may make sex less attractive and enjoyable.

It is important to know that it is not worth giving up sex at all; it is important to determine the real contraindications with a doctor, and, based on the specific situation, decide how often and for how long the sexual relationship will last. But we must take into account that there are also a number of purely medical prohibitions, the presence of which should be a reason for temporary or permanent abstinence.

Why does desire disappear

For some women, the onset of pregnancy is accompanied by the onset of toxicosis. Nausea and intolerance to certain smells affect the general condition. In the early stages of pregnancy, pathological drowsiness, fatigue and weakness may appear. Expectant mothers become more emotional, tears or irritation occur regardless of their desire. Therefore, the 1st trimester is not always favorable for intimacy.

Lack of desire is often associated with the puritanical ideas of young parents. They consider making love something immoral and low. Especially if the tummy is already noticeably rounded or fetal movements are felt. Some men and women feel as if the child is present during sexual intercourse and understands everything. But this is nothing more than fantasy.

Other concerns are related to the fear of harming the baby. Men are afraid that strong frictions will “hit” the child’s head. Knowledge of the anatomy of the female body refutes the very possibility of such an incident. The fetus in the uterine cavity is surrounded by a certain volume of amniotic fluid, which plays the role of a shock absorber and softens any shocks. Otherwise, the child would have injured his head on the bones of his mother’s pelvis while walking. The fetus, together with the waters, is enclosed in a membrane that connects it to the uterus through the placenta.

The thickness of the muscle tissue in the lower part of the uterus is more than 1.5 cm, but the uterus does not directly contact the vagina. Between the genital tract and the uterus is the cervix, which also softens the shocks. Inside the cervical canal there is a mucus plug that further protects the fetus.

If you think about these fears, you will notice that intimate life during pregnancy can be no worse than before. A study by Israeli scientists, which involved 11 thousand pregnant women, did not establish a pattern between the course of gestation, the occurrence of complications and sex.

Sexually dangerous periods of pregnancy

Even with a completely favorable, physiological course of gestation, when a specialist will not object to intimate contacts during pregnancy, there are certain periods when it is worth temporarily abandoning intimacy for safety. This is especially true for women who are experiencing this pregnancy for the first time. The first trimester refers to a critical stage of development, especially the first approximately 6-7 weeks from the date of the last menstruation . During this period, intimacy should be limited due to the fact that the embryo is attached to the uterus, and the area of its attachment is still loose, the placenta is just emerging and sharp contractions of the uterus can lead to detachment of the fertilized egg, provoking a miscarriage.

There is also a common misconception that you should give up sex after 8 months, from about the 36th week. But experts say that intimacy, on the contrary, can prepare the uterus and birth canal for the birth of a baby more effectively than all other known methods. The cervix begins to ripen, it gradually shortens and becomes softer.

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Compounds in men's seminal fluid, called prostaglandins, help prepare the uterus and cervix for imminent labor.

Prohibition on sexual activity after hysteroscopy

This method allows you to examine the uterus and, if necessary, carry out certain manipulations: tissue sampling for biopsy, removal of fibroids or polyps. It is easily tolerated and does not require a long stay in a 24-hour hospital.

Electrosurgical hysteroscopy of uterine polyps provides a quick therapeutic effect and postoperative recovery, and also minimally injures the tissue. However, like any other method, there are contraindications. Your doctor will introduce you to them.

After this procedure, a routine examination is carried out two weeks after surgery. If the recovery period is successfully completed, the woman is allowed to have sex as usual. Thus, after hysteroscopy, sexual rest lasts at least two weeks. The resumption of intimate life should occur in complete harmony and trust in each other.

Stimulation of labor by sex

It is believed that if the baby is not in a hurry to be born, and the couple wants to stimulate labor, sexual intercourse will be useful, which can lead to the start of labor. This is due to the fact that during orgasm the uterus contracts regularly and is richly supplied with blood, which, if the birth canal is fully prepared, can trigger labor. But against the background of an immature cervix with active intimacy, there is a chance of premature labor, so the issue of intimacy in the later stages is decided individually with a doctor.

It is worth giving up intimacy if the birth is planned surgically, electively. Due to prostaglandins in a man's sperm, softening may occur in the cervical area, which threatens to trigger natural childbirth, which in this case is dangerous. During sexual intercourse, you should use condoms during this time to prevent sperm and skin bacteria from entering the vagina.

It is worth giving up intimacy before childbirth and against the background of a scar after a previous caesarean section; in recent weeks the uterus is greatly stretched, the suture area can become very thin. Therefore, intimacy can be harmful.

Postpartum period

If during pregnancy sexual activity is not prohibited, then in the postpartum period the situation is different. It is advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse for six weeks after giving birth. Moreover, doctors categorically prohibit this.

After childbirth, the uterus is severely damaged; there are many microtears and various soft tissue damage on its surface, which can lead to the formation of inflammation after sexual intercourse. It also does not contribute to pleasant sensations. In general, there is no desire for some time after giving birth. But doctors advise starting sexual activity no earlier than after 6 weeks.

Sexual rest during pregnancy according to indications

There are a number of medical problems in the presence of which you should refrain from intimacy. The doctor will inform the woman about them after the next examination, indicating the specific reasons for such a prohibition.

Multiple pregnancy - carrying twins or triplets is, as a rule, a large load on the body as a whole, and on the uterus in particular. Therefore, the stretching of the walls of the uterus is more serious, and even without intimacy, a woman may feel some discomfort. Therefore, from the second half of gestation, doctors often recommend that expectant mothers have sexual rest or limit intimacy, avoid pressure on the uterus and deep penetrations. All questions regarding intimacy are resolved individually with the doctor.

A complicated pregnancy is another reason for restrictions, especially if the problems are serious and threaten miscarriage or premature birth. It is worth giving up sex against the background:

ICI (insufficiency of the obturator function of the cervix, if it is shortened or slightly open from an early stage). If ICI is corrected by wearing pessaries or suturing the cervix, in this case it is necessary to refuse intimacy. If you put stress on the uterus and cervix during sex, this threatens to trigger premature labor.
Abnormalities in the position of the placenta - presentation, marginal position - threaten with intimate intimacy the development of abruption with life-threatening bleeding for both.
Hematomas or partial placental abruption for the same reasons.
Leakage of amniotic fluid or suspicion of defects in the amniotic sac, violation of its integrity. This is a risk of premature birth or infection and intrauterine infection.
Inflammatory lesions of the genitals - exacerbation of herpes infection, candidiasis, the presence of bacterial vaginosis.
The threat of premature birth in the later stages, and in the early stages the threat of termination of pregnancy with miscarriage.
Habitual miscarriage in previous pregnancies, early termination two or more times. In this case, the issue is resolved individually with a doctor, depending on the causes of the pathology.
Delicate infections in a partner or the woman herself during gestation.

If such a situation arises, it is important to know that diseases that are transmitted through intimate contact should be a reason for abstinence for the entire period of their treatment, until control tests are taken and negative results are obtained. STIs are dangerous for many reasons - they can lead to infection of the vagina, cervix and from there - the fetal bladder, which threatens its inflammation and damage. The inflammatory process leads to the dissolution of part of the membrane, the penetration of infection into the waters and to the fetus, which threatens intrauterine infection. This can initiate premature birth, death of the child and subsequent infertility, as well as serious defects in the fetus. In addition, sex with an STI risks infecting your partner or the possibility of infection from him if he is sick.

During the treatment of delicate infections, you need to use condoms (although this is not 100% protection - it can break or slip), so it is important to refrain from intimacy.

Dad therapy

Doubts about whether sex during pregnancy is useful disappear at a later stage, when the due date is already approaching, and there are no signs of cervical ripening. You can cope with the problem with medication. Pharmacies sell a gel containing the prostaglandin Prepidil. It is injected into the cervical canal to accelerate cervical ripening during full-term pregnancy. Sometimes such actions are justified: when, for medical reasons, a woman needs to give birth at 38 weeks to avoid complications. But this drug is also prescribed to those whose due date is as close as possible to 40 weeks, and there are no signs of cervical maturity.

The gel is introduced into the vagina only in a maternity hospital. After the procedure, the woman should remain in the hospital under observation and to determine further tactics. But some doctors, instead of gel, recommend paying attention to your husband from the 38th week. If he does not have sexually transmitted infections, then he will cope with the function of stimulating labor equally effectively with the gel.

The reason lies in the composition of sperm. In addition to germ cells, seminal fluid contains a large amount of natural prostaglandin. Regular sex without a condom will contribute to the periodic flow of this substance to the cervix and gently promote its ripening. Too frequent sexual intercourse is not necessary. They will be physically tiring.

Also in the latter stages, the stimulating effect of oxytocin is noted. A few minutes after orgasm, a woman experiences a surge of this hormone. For non-pregnant women, this is accompanied by increased emotional connection and trust in their spouse. And in pregnant women, oxytocin affects the cervix and the uterus itself.

A prerequisite for intimate intimacy in the last stages is the absence of infection in the sexual partner and intact membranes. After they rupture, the likelihood of infection of the fetus increases significantly, so there is no need to take risks.

Features of pregnant sex: rules

If a woman wants intimate intimacy, she is ready for it physically and emotionally, if her partner is not against it and there are no health contraindications or doctor’s prohibitions, then you can have sex at any time and for any period. But pregnant sex is somewhat different from usual, it is important to remember some conditions and simple rules:

All sex positions must be selected based on the principle of convenience and safety for the woman; she must be sensitive to her feelings. It is important to choose positions that avoid strong pressure on the abdominal area, especially as it grows. In the initial period of gestation, the traditional (aka missionary) position may be suitable, but later it will be much more comfortable on the side. When lying on your back, the vena cava may be compressed, which can lead to dizziness, discomfort, and pain in the spine. Poses are possible when the woman is on top; she can adjust the degree of penetration or knee-elbow positions. The intensity of the act also needs to be controlled so that there is no discomfort.
It is worth abandoning caresses in the area of the areola and nipple, their active stimulation, so that the level of oxytocin does not increase due to the reflex, and the walls of the uterus do not contract.
The duration of intimacy needs to be regulated according to sensations; maximum tenderness, calmness and leisurelyness are important.
Against the background of any pain and discomfort, you need to refuse such a position or intimacy in general.
Upon completion of sexual intercourse and after orgasm, the expectant mother needs to lie quietly and relax. You should not immediately get up and walk around or do any business. It is important to rest for 30-60 minutes so that uterine contractions stop; they are especially active against the background of sex and orgasm.

Important

Some women with cervical erosion may have bleeding, which does not harm the pregnancy and does not threaten the baby. But such manifestations bring psychological discomfort. It is important to choose a comfortable position and discuss the issue of intimacy with your doctor.

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician medical observer

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