Will sex during pregnancy hurt your baby?

Fun facts about sex during pregnancy

There are myths and misconceptions on safety of sex during pregnancy. Here are some of the facts. The developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid inside the mother’s uterus, so sexual intercourse won’t affect the baby. Although couples must remember that in advancing gestation (pregnancy), you may shift from the traditional position with your partner on top to a position wherein you’re both on your sides either facing each other or with your partner behind, as the expanding uterus might cause difficulty. At this stage, the breasts might also be too tender which will result in discomfort. The expectant mom needs to be evaluated by her OB to assure that complications like preterm labor or placenta previa have been ruled out.

Sex also does not cause nor provoke miscarriage. Most cases of miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing normally or due to chromosomal problems.

There are no hard and fast rules on the ideal positions during sex as long as the couple is comfortable and experiences mutual pleasure. Oral sex is also safe during pregnancy. Use of condom for prevention of sexually transmitted infections is advised if the relationship is not monogamous (on both sides).

Obstetricians usually caution pregnant woman on having sex if there is unexplained vaginal bleeding, leaking or ruptured bag of water, if there is premature labor, if the placenta is covering the cervix as in placenta previa, or if there is previous history of preterm labor or birth .

Sex drive during pregnancy varies. It’s important that this is discussed openly with your partner.

Reference

About The Expert

DR. CHRISTIA PADOLINA, OB-GYN

Dr. Christia S. Padolina is the president of the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (POGS) Foundation Inc. It is the premiere organization of obstetricians and gynecologists nationwide.

It was a dream come true for her to become a physician. Her mother was sickly and she had so much expectations on the healthcare system being on the other side of the equation. She is a graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. It was there that she realized that she wanted to become an obstetrician Gynecologist. She does not mind waking up in the wee hours of the morning as she finds delivering babies exhilarating. 

Her subspecialty in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of New Mexico in USA paved the way for better maternal care. She is locally and internationally known advocate for safe motherhood.
 

The views and opinions expressed by the writer are his/her own, and do not state or reflect those of Wyeth Nutrition and its principals.