Sex During Pregnancy - Myths and Facts from Experts

Pregnancy is a remarkable as well as transformative journey in the life of a woman. This journey from bump to baby is entirely filled with psychological, physical, emotional changes. It is a time where women experience doses of excitement as well as anticipation which requires a lot of care especially from a partner. Throughout the journey, the bond between the mother and fetus in the womb grows stronger. In this period, it is important to take care of the baby as well as the mother's health. Try to understand the miraculous development occurring inside the womb of the mother during different trimesters. But in the due journey what about basic human desires? Will it hurt the baby? Or can sex during pregnancy lead to labor issues? 

Sure, you might have tons of excuses when you need to deny for sex. It might come in the form of a headache, laundry day or finishing a web series and lots more. But don’t include pregnancy in one of these reasons. It is because, sex is allowed during normal pregnancy which is running without any complications. This statement is proven from the certified obstetrician. But you might put the brakes in your wishes thinking that this process would hurt the baby. Well! Here you can find the dispelled myths and facts about sex during pregnancy.  

Sex is a totally normal and healthy part of life even during the pregnancy phase. You would never know how sex can provide a series of benefits. But there is a hype of myths related to sex during pregnancy. Let’s first tackle these myths and know the actual facts in this blog.

Sex during pregnancy: myths and facts during pregnancy 

• Myth: contraction felt during orgasm can cause a miscarriage 

Fact: You might have a little cramp in the body after having sex during pregnancy. But these are completely normal and rise up due to a bit of contraction of uterus muscles. It will not lead to any harm until and unless you are leading with a normal pregnancy without any serious complications propelled. Contractions which you might face during and after orgasm are not severe which would lead to miscarriage. You don’t have to mingle these contractions which are painful and occur at regular intervals in the form of labor. The contractions from organsam are literally mild and fade away within no time. 

• Myth: Deeper penetration can harm the baby’s health 

Fact: This is considered as one of the big myths of sex during pregnancy. Vagina is a self stretching organ. During pregnancy, the vagina naturally stretches itself to create a safe distance of certain centimeters between penis and uterus where the baby lies. Cervix is called the opening part of the uterus. The cervical region is entirely closed and sealed with a thick mucus wall to protect the baby from any damage. Further, inside the uterus the baby is again lined in an amniotic sac which provides a damn serious protection to the baby. Therefore, even if your guy makes deeper penetration it will not harm the baby. 

• Myth: sex can induce the labor pain during pregnancy 

Fact: This myth is just an old wives tale. A general contraction comes to the body due to a hormone released from the semen. Some people face the myth that sex during pregnancy can lead to labor pain. But the fact really doesn't work in that manner. Yes, it is a fact that in hospitals the same hormone as in semen, prostaglandin, is used to induce labor pain in an expectant mother. But this hormone administered in hospital is a synthetic version which possesses a much higher dose as compared to present naturally in semen. If sex can induce labor pain then obstetricians advise every couple to have intercourse on the due date. But this really isn’t working in the real scenario. 

• Myth: post sex bleeding indicates the damage 

Fact: You might get afraid seeing the spot of blood down there. But what if it comes after or during sex in pregnancy? Does this indicate the sign of damage? There is no need to freak out as there is a valid explanation for this occurrence. During pregnancy, the cervical region becomes really soft and sensitive. Therefore, touch of anything to it can start to bleed. But there is nothing to worry about unless you face excessive bleeding. This is literally not a sign of damage and a reason to avoid sex during pregnancy.

• Myth: Baby will know 

Fact: Wait! Probably your parents might have sex when you were in the uterus. Did you even remember it a bit? Similarly, the baby will not. It is a fact that a baby can feel the movement but can’t recognize the process of sex. Sex is never a reason to cause physical or psychological hazards in a baby. But the baby would never have the knowledge to interpret or understand the process. 

• Myth: You shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy 

Fact: Once you get pregnant, you don’t need to wait a longer sort of time to have sex. As long as you feel comfortable it is allowed to have sex during pregnancy. But yes there are a few exceptional cases in which it is advised to avoid sex. The conditions in which placenta covers the cervix sex can cause trouble to the baby. On contract even if a condition of partial placenta previa persist sex is not recommended.

• Myth: Pregnancy can kill the sex desire 

Fact: There is no such proven evidence which affects the sex desire of a person during pregnancy. You might face conditions in which there is an increase in sex desire while in others it decreases. Either situation is normal. 

• Myth: stay careful while choosing the positions 

Fact: the position of the sex has nothing to do with the baby. All of them are proven but you need to select one which is comfortable. There is an increased baby bump during the third trimester. Therefore, this tends to change the center of gravity in your body which makes some positions a bit challenging. Therefore, you need to avoid some positions which require a sort of self balance.

• Myth: You might get pregnant for the another child 

Fact: The scenario is possible only in some rare cases. It might happen sometime in rare cases that there are two eggs released from the ovary at a single time. Now, it is possible that the first time sex haven't fertilized either of the eggs. But the eggs remain alive for three days. If the sex occurs again in this period, it is possible to have the process of fertilization and get pregnant.

• Myth: Vibrators should avoid during pregnancy 

Fact: Thinking of masturbation, in this case go for it. You don’t have to worry about disturbing the baby while using a vibrator. If your healthcare expert has advised you to avoid penetrative sex then vibrators are the best alternative to it. Choose for the clitoral vibrator or massage wand. These are perfect to bring the post orgasm rush. Remember to clean the tool every time you use it. 

• Myth: Painful sex is just part of life after giving birth to baby

Fact: Sex could probably give pain after pregnancy but it doesn’t stay with you for life time. In the postpartum phase, a woman has to deal with much discomfort. Hence, after sometime you will indeed return to experience a pleasurable sex life. To get on this stage, you can prefer to increase foreplay, including pelvic floor therapy and use of lubricants etc. 

• Myth: Oral sex is out of question

Fact: A pregnancy doesn’t restrict a couple to have oral sex. It is a way better than penetrative sex in a comfortable manner. Only it is advised to the partner to avoid blowing air into vagina during oral sex. It is because the air can produce a bubble inside the vagina increasing the pressure of the area. These conditions can burst the blood vessels on the surface leading to serious complications. 

Benefits of sex during pregnancy 

Doctors recommend that women continue with their normal sexual life even during pregnancy. Let’s know the benefits of sex during pregnancy. 

• Intimate relationships with a partner even during pregnancy can strengthen the emotional bond. It is important to give a sense of closeness during the transformative phase of life. 
• Sex during pregnancy can prove a medium to reduce the stress in the body and promote relaxation. This activity tends to release the endorphins hormones which relieves stress and anxiety from the body. 
• During pregnancy a woman phases disturbance in the regular sleep patterns. Sex can help to improve sleep during this phase. 
• Intercourse can help to increase the blood circulation in the body. This is very much beneficial for the baby and mother as well. 
• It is a great opportunity to try a new position which is proven comfortable and helps to accommodate the growing bump. 
• Couples can enjoy the intercourse without any worries about birth control. But yes, you need to protect the baby from transferring any STD infections. 
• Sex can tend to increase the self confidence of the woman in concern of their body. 
• Sex in pregnancy can lead to vaginal lubricants which certainly help in childbirth. 
• Intercourse is proven healthy during pregnancy as it can boost the immune system of the mother to fight against various diseases. 
• Doctors recommend the mother to stay active. Sex is a sort of exercise which can help to remain in motion. 
• Sexual intercourse can make the pelvic floor muscles stronger. Hence, it makes a faster recovery from their postpartum period. 

When do you need to consult the healthcare provider? 

In general, having sex during pregnancy is normal. But sometimes, it's better to know the conditions when you need to seek consultations from a healthcare provider. 

• Have you ever faced preterm labor or a high risk for it? If yes, then you should practice sex with much caution. 
• Sometimes, the placenta covers the cervical region which is called Placenta previa. In this condition, couples should avoid penetrative intercourse. 
• If you face any sudden and unexplainable bleeding issues then immediately consult a healthcare provider. 
• If you feel extreme pain during or after intercourse then consult the doctor immediately. 

Conclusion

Pregnancy and especially sex during pregnancy is fully surrounded with myths and misconceptions. But you need to tackle these myths and try to understand the actual facts behind it. It will allow you to enjoy this transforming journey along with fulfilling all desires of intimacy. Clear out the misconceptions and enjoy the benefits of sex during the pregnancy journey. It is always advised to take precautions rather than sitting to search for the cure for it. Hence, you need to remember the points to see healthcare providers. After this, you are all set to lead the journey of pregnancy with peace of mind. 

FAQs 

      1. Is sex during pregnancy be proven beneficial? 

Yes, indeed sex can stimulate and release production of oxytocin in the body. This hormone improves sleep, pain, muscle aches and reduces stress in the body promoting a positive mood. 

      2. Is daily intercourse good for pregnancy? 

It is safe to practice sex for about three times a day. There is no such evidence proven till now that frequent intercourse can lead to any type of complications in pregnancy. 

      3. What are the rules for avoiding pregnancy? 

Try to avoid the position of lying completely flat on the belly or backside. This might make the baby uncomfortable. Instead it is advised to lie on the top or on the sides. 

     4. Can an unknown baby sense the touch of the father?

Babies after the second trimester have developed the ability to sense the surroundings. Therefore, they can literally sense any touch on the belly. But yes, they definitely have the ability to recognize the familiar and frequent touch like one's father. 

     5. Where can sperm go during pregnancy? 

Pregnancy has an increased level of hormones which kills the sperm. The cervix even does not allow to enter the sperms inside and kill it.