Sex During Pregnancy

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    Back to Prenatal Education

    Is sex during pregnancy safe?

    In a normal pregnancy, sexual intercourse is usually safe and will not harm you or the baby. It is very rare for sex to cause loss of a baby (miscarriage). If you do not have a history or signs of miscarriage or premature labor, you may be able to keep having sex until your due date. However, when you reach your ninth month, ask your health care provider about this. If you have questions about your form of sexual expression, ask your provider.

    What changes should we expect?

    It is perfectly normal for the feelings you and your partner have about sex to change during your pregnancy. At times your desire for sex may increase. At other times one or both of you may have less interest in sex. It may be harder for you to have an orgasm.

    Various factors during the different phases of pregnancy can affect sexual desire:

    During the first 3 months of pregnancy, you may have very tender breasts, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and fears of miscarriage. These things may lessen your interest in sex. Or you may find that pregnancy makes you feel closer to your partner and increases your sexual desire.

    In the second trimester, many women find they are more interested in sex. Nausea, fatigue, and fears of miscarriage are usually over. The increased blood supply to the pelvic area may make you feel more sexually aroused.

    During the last 3 months, you or your partner may feel awkward about your big abdomen. Some women may feel unattractive. You may worry that sex will harm the baby. Occasionally, husbands may resent all the attention their wives give to preparation for the birth. Any of these things may decrease your interest in sex. However, it is also possible to feel a special closeness and excitement that increases sexual desire.

    Make sure that you and your partner share your feelings with each other. Many women find that they need more affection, closeness, and tenderness during pregnancy. Intercourse is not the only way you can have physical closeness. Touching, kissing, and holding can be satisfying and tender ways to show love and affection

    Should we use a different position?

    As your abdomen becomes large, sex may become uncomfortable. During the last few months avoid having a lot of pressure on the abdomen. Also, deep penetration of the penis during sex may be painful. Try the following positions for greater comfort:

    • woman on top

    • the man facing the woman’s back

    • lying side by side.

    Are there any limitations?

    You do not need to give your baby formula or water. Your breast milk has just what your baby needs. He or she does not need extra water or formula. And giving your baby formula and water, especially in the first 4 to 6 weeks, can actually lower your milk supply. It’s best to offer only the breast, at least until your milk supply is well established.

    • a history or threat of miscarriage, premature labor, or premature delivery (before 37 weeks)

    • cramps or vaginal bleeding

    • infection

    • pain with intercourse

    • leaking fluid or breaking of the bag of water

    • complications with the pregnancy, such as placenta previa.

    Many pregnant women feel some brief cramping after intercourse. Bleeding may occur once in awhile after intercourse. Cramping or bleeding should stop soon after you rest off your feet. If the cramps or bleeding get worse or do not stop, call your health care provider. Also call if you think you have broken your bag of water. In these cases, do not have intercourse again until you have seen your provider.

    What precautions should I take?

    Whatever form of sexual expression you choose, it is important to have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else. Women who have more than 1 sexual partner have a greater risk of getting an infection. Sexually transmitted infections are dangerous for both you and your baby.

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