6 dos and don’ts to follow for sex during pregnancy

Pregnancy is often accompanied by well-meaning pieces of advice from our loved ones. Also, first-time moms often try to read up every parenting magazine they can lay their hands on, or browse the internet for answers in an effort to be better prepared. Though there is a lot of information on the Internet, too much information can be confusing and most of the times, the facts can be contradictory. For example, some websites might suggest that it’s completely alright for expecting mothers to continue with their morning run, whereas other sites might advise against doing so.

One such alleged fact that has been a bone of contention since ages is whether it is advisable for would-be parents to have sex during pregnancy. The internet and your relatives will stand divided on this subject, and parents usually end up compromising their desire for intimacy for the well-being of their unborn child.

Instead of abstaining from sex during the pregnancy period, all you have to do is exercise some caution and you and your partner can still enjoy the intimacy. So, read on to learn the do’s and don’ts of having sex during pregnancy, and you’ll know where exactly to draw the line.

Don’t have sex if it’s a high-risk pregnancy
Though sex during pregnancy doesn’t harm the baby, it is advisable to refrain from having sex if it’s a high-risk pregnancy. A shortened cervix, cervical cerclage for an incompetent cervix, placenta previa, and preeclampsia, are some of the conditions in which the expecting parents shouldn’t indulge in a sexual intercourse. If your doctor defines your pregnancy as a high-risk one, you and your partner will have to be extra cautious.

Do use a condom
Contrary to what people believe, even pregnant women can contract STDs as the upper genital tract becomes extremely vulnerable during pregnancy. So, it is important that you and your partner use a condom during the act. This is instrumental in preventing the occurrence of any severe infection, especially in the first trimester for the well-being of the baby.

Do try different positions

At the beginning of the pregnancy, it is alright if you decide to experiment with different positions. However, as the fetus grows, you have to be more careful with the positions. You need to avoid any position where you have to lay flat on the back as it will compress the big blood vessel behind the uterus and restrict the blood flow to the heart. So, try different positions till you find one that else comfortable as it will help take the pressure off the uterus and you will experience more pleasure.

Don’t have sex if you experience pain
Painful sex isn’t normal even for couples not pregnant, and for expecting parents, it is even more dangerous. It is advisable that you refrain from having sex if you experience severe, unusual pain. Having sex in such circumstances can put you and the baby in danger. Moreover, in cases of placenta previa, where the placenta grows over the cervix, the couple should refrain from having sex completely. There are high chances that the bacteria can travel into the cervix if the water breaks. So, to prevent any complications during a high-risk pregnancy, you shouldn’t have sex if you experience pain in the onset.

Do try other forms of intimacy
People often consider sex to be the only form of intimacy. This assumption is what leads to several misunderstandings. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several changes, and it affects her libido as well. So, if you aren’t feeling up to it, you can still keep the relationship interesting by choosing some other form of intimacy which doesn’t cause you any physical discomfort.

Do talk about it
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for the mother and the father as well. During a pregnancy, women have a tumultuous relationship with their libido levels. Often, this can leave the partner feeling confused and they might feel neglected. Also, there are instances when men experience a change in their sex drive as well, and women find it difficult to act in tandem with it. In such situations, it is important that you speak to your partner and understand the physical and psychological changes they are going through. This will help strengthen your bond with your partner.