Sex During Pregnancy – Why Worry?
We, at Bumps Pregnancy Care, do receive a great deal of questions about sex in pregnancy from pregnant women and their partners.
There are several issues raised in the questions, so this article is going to address only a small number of them.
Several pregnant women expressed concerns and sometimes a degree of fear of having sex during pregnancy. The concerns are centred on the possible consequences sex could have on the baby.
Although the fears are real and genuine, they have little basis for the fears regarding sexual intercourse during pregnancy; if the pregnancy is progressing normally. Progressing normally is the watch word.
Sexual intercourse is important for couples, whether a woman is pregnant or not. Therefore, for couples who have enjoyed a good relationship before pregnancy, there is every wish and need to continue to their intimate and enjoyable relationship.
There several instances when sex in pregnancy could be harmful. These are few and easily identifiable. Your professional or midwife will advise you.
When should you avoid sex when pregnant?
Genital infections including painful discharges are best investigated first before resuming sex.Most infections in the vagina are caused by candida. Candida causes a white, itchy discharge that leads to swelling of the vaginal skin. Without treatment the skin on the outside could be really swollen. Thrush is easy to identify and treat.
Candida infections are very common, and are not classed among the sexually transmitted diseases. Usually a swab will be the only sample needed to confirm the fungus infection and to exclude others.
Other common infections in pregnancy, but not STIs include a condition called Bacterial vaginosis. This infection confuses many people including health care workers. Bacterial vaginosis can cause a smelly watery discharge, which can be generate a fishy smell.
A swab is needed for diagnosis and the treatment is simple involving a course of Metronidazole for 5 – 7 days.
It has been established that Bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature labour and miscarriages.
It is debatable whether treating a partner of a woman with B.V is necessary. We do not recommend it.
Should women with bacterial vaginosis avoid sexual intercourse? The short answer is not necessary, if not badly symptomatic. Women will usually avoid sex if they have any unpleasant vaginal discharge.
The fear of harming the baby from the physical activity of sexual intercourse are unfounded.
There really should be no concerns. The baby in the womb is very protected by several barriers. These include the cervix, the plug of mucus in the cervix and the cushion of fluid in the womb. There is no way a normal sexual act, where no foreign mechanical objects are introduced in the vagina, could harm the baby.
Avoid sex if experiencing bleeeding in Pregnancy.
Any woman experiencing vaginal bleeding will be well advised to avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy. This is because the cervix is probably slightly open and intercouse could introduce infection. Also there real danger that further heavy bleeding could ensue. This is more likely if the woman has a low placenta close to the opening of the cervix – known as placenta previa.
The fetus is protected by the many protective layer that cushions it– and this contains the amniotic fluid.
Pregnancy Pain and Discomfort
Many women suffer from aches and pains, including symphysis pubic bone pain, varicose veins and general tiredness. It is most important for the couple to discuss these problems, particularly how these problems affect their sex life.
If possible, adopt certain positions and techniques that would be least uncomfortable yet satisfactory to both.
The different sex positions will be discussed in the next article. We will emphasize here the importance of openness, discussion and consideration of the pregnant woman.
In certain circumstances sexual intercourse in pregnancy should be temporarily suspended until the prevailing problem subsides.
Talk to doctors and midwives at Bumps Pregnancy Care, or a midwife near you.
