What's safe (and what's not) when it comes to sex while pregnant.

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Pregnancy brings lots of hope and happiness to a couple; however it’s sometimes a cause of worry with some vital factors to consider. Pregnant women might have some confusion and doubts about safe sexual practices during their pregnancy. This article can shed some light on factors that pregnant women must consider about whether or not to have sex during pregnancy.

Sex during pregnancy: is it safe?

The embryo is very well protected by an amniotic sac and uterus muscles. The baby is defended against any possible infections by a thick mucus plug that fuses the cervix closed. The NCBI journal lists sex during pregnancy as safe in most cases.

Orgasms, although known to bring mild contractions to the uterus, in no way harm the baby in low risk pregnancies. So it’s safe to have sex while pregnant. (Five things no one every tells you about pregnancy with Jamila Rizvi. Post continues after video.)

Safe sexual practices during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman can follow these added tips to keep her and her baby safe while having sex during her pregnancy.

Pregnant women should use condoms to prevent STI’s that can harm the vulnerable upper genital tract. A severe infection can occur several times in the first three months and this can threaten the well-being of the baby.

Any sexual position is safe during pregnancy as long as the woman is comfortable. As gestation advances, certain positions, like the missionary position, aren’t possible. In such cases they can opt for a side lying position or get creative to find a more comfortable position.  (Post continues after gallery.)

When to avoid sex during pregnancy? High risk pregnancies and preterm labor.

There isn’t a sufficient amount of evidence of sex inducing premature labor. However women with a history of premature labor are told to reconsider having sex during the pregnancy. Orgasms can cause contractions and release the hormone oxytocin, which can trigger premature labor.

Women with multiple pregnancies are at risk of preterm labour; however research found that this is generally not sex induced. Women with cervical cerclage and cervical impotence are usually advised to refrain from sex, as the condition may trigger preterm labor.

In any case of vaginal bleeding without a known cause, sex is restricted. Placenta Previa is comprised of antepartum haemorrhage in which the cervix is partially or totally covered by the placenta. In these instances, pregnant women should avoid sexual intercourse. If the amniotic sac is leaking amniotic fluid, pregnant women should not have sex.

Psychological factors that affect sexual desire.

Pregnancy significantly increases hormones in the body as it is constantly changing to accommodate the growing baby. During pregnancy, women often experience a change in their moods. Such variations can affect their sex lives, especially as the pregnancy progresses.

Usually the sexual urge decreases as pregnancy matures. It's absolutely normal to have a low sex drive after the 22nd week of Pregnancy.

Some women are anxious about intercourse during pregnancy as they fear it will cause a miscarriage. However, intercourse during gestation very rarely results in a miscarriage, so there's nothing to fear.

Sex during pregnancy is generally safe unless there's an underlying medical issue with the pregnancy. However one needs to understand that during gestation, a woman's sex drive can vary greatly. As the pregnancy matures, she might experience a lower sex drive or painful intercourse due to various underlying psychological factors.

Sex isn't known to induce preterm labour in pregnant women; however women with high risk pregnancies and a history of premature labor are advised to consult their doctor.