Pregnancy is a transformative journey, marked by a myriad of physical and emotional changes. While the anticipation of welcoming your little one to the family can be exhilarating and a beautiful experience, the intimacy level with your partner often goes downhill. The intricacies of intimacy during pregnancy are often left unaddressed. Experts say that intercourse during pregnancy is not harmful. However, it is better to check with your gynecologist that there are no complications for the same.
Does sex during pregnancy cause miscarriages?
Most people have the preconceived notion that sex with your partner during pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage. It is far from the truth. Sex during pregnancy does not provoke a miscarriage. Miscarriages in the first trimester usually occur when the foetus is not developing normally.
“It is considered safe during all stages of a low-risk pregnancy and safest during the second trimester,” explains Dr Mouli Nandi, Associate Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Multispecialty Hospital, Kolkata.
Intercourse will not affect the baby in the womb, added, Dr Nandi.
When should sex during pregnancy be avoided?
Due to a combination of factors—like increased lubrication, shift in hormones, or pelvic floor muscles being too tight and sensitive due to the pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable for a few women.
Happiest Health talks to Dr Sahana KP, a consultant obstetrician, gynecologist, infertility specialist and laparoscopic surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru complies, “While sex during pregnancy is usually harmless, provided there are no pregnancy-related contraindications for the same,” In case of high-risk pregnancy such as preterm labour and cervical incompetence avoiding sexual activity is recommended.
Physical signs
It is advisable to avoid sex during pregnancy during the following physical signs, experts say.
- Suppose you have an unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting.
- Leaking of amniotic fluid or breaking of waters
- Active vaginal infection—such as fungal, bacterial or parasitic infection (curdy white or greenish vaginal discharge)
- Urinary tract infections — burning, itching or pain in the genital area.
Preterm labor and cervical incompetence
Preterm labor is when there is an onset of contractions 37 weeks before pregnancy. If you have a history of preterm labor or premature birth, getting sexually intimate with your partner will be risky for the foetus, says Dr Sahana. Women having placental issues, where the placenta (an organ that connects your baby with the uterus during pregnancy) lies close to the cervix or covers the cervical opening, having sex might become a problem for intercourse . Furthermore, pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease or respiratory conditions in the pregnant woman may worsen due to sex.
Dr Nandi elaborates, “When there is cervical incompetence (short cervix or cervix previous surgical interventions) due to which the cervix opens too early during the mid-second trimester, it is best for you to avoid sex.”
Do you have contractions after sex during pregnancy?
In the later stages of pregnancy, an orgasm or even engaging in sexual activity itself can sometimes trigger mild and false contractions. They are uncomfortable and it is crucial to remember that these are completely normal and pose no cause for alarm. However, if the intensity of the contractions increases, to rule out Braxton Hicks (false labour), call a medical practitioner.
Dr Nandi advises, “If you find yourself experiencing these contractions, consider some relaxation techniques or simply recline and allow the contractions to subside naturally.”
Things to remember
To help you navigate through the complexities of getting intimate during your pregnancy, these are some suggestions by experts:
- The key to intimacy during pregnancy is to find positions that work best for you and your partner, says Dr Sahana.
- Adequate lubrication is necessary in intimacy during pregnancy, as it eases discomfort and enhances pleasure—ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Dr Nandi also highlighted the importance of communication and talking openly. Sharing your desires, discomfort, and boundaries ensures trust and understanding between you and your partner.
- Sex during pregnancy, especially near the delivery date, can trigger the release of oxytocin according to a study published in National Library of Medicine-2023 which may induce labor pains.
- Always use protection to ensure both your safety and your baby’s health so that you don’t encounter any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Takeaways
- Sex itself does not cause a miscarriage and it is safe to be intimate during pregnancy.
- If there are pregnancy-related contraindications like preterm labor and cervical incompetence, it’s better to avoid sex altogether.
- Intimacy during pregnancy has several health benefits like relieving stress, uplifts mood and boosting overall fitness and well-being.
- Consult your obstetrician if you are feeling any discomfort or pain during or after sex.
