Pregnancy Sex Q & A’s from Published Books
- How will my pregnancy affect my libido? (click here)
Pregnancy sex, or having sex while pregnant, is something some think and worry about. The concern is often whether it is safe for the mother or baby. Unless prohibited by a doctor for medical or other reasons, some experts say sex should not stop just because a baby is on board.
There are some instances where caution should be applied, and a doctor, obstetrician or other medical expert should always be consulted.
As the trimesters progress, hormonal and body changes may make sex challenging and different from non-pregnant sex. Some woman are not interested or are scared about pregnancy sex while others find it appealing because they can’t become pregnant … again. While some sex positions may be more beneficial than others during pregnancy, sex during pregnancy should be approached with care and caring.
For some, sex during pregnancy is an opportunity for special bonding time before the baby arrives.
The sourced articles below provide more information on sex during pregnancy.
- Oral Sex & Anal Sex During Pregnancy
“During pregnancy especially, it is important that if you are receiving oral sex that your partner does not blow into the vaginal opening and cause any air to be trapped inside the vagina. This is because this bubble of air can travel and enter the placenta, which can cause problems with fetal development. Additionally, the pressure differential caused by air being trapped in the vagina can cause blood vessels to rupture, causing spotting or bleeding.”
American Pregnancy Association, americanpregnancy.org, accessed on 10/18/2018
- Pregnancy Sex Positions
“Experts say that women should avoid lying on their back or right side for long periods of time after four months into the pregnancy. Beyond this, figuring out pregnancy sex positions requires some creativity, a sense of humor, and often lots of pillows. It may also mean abandoning penetration if it isn’t working, and finding other ways to please each other and please yourself. If you’re looking for some ideas to jump-start all that creativity, the following sex positions are generally considered to be more comfortable as your (or your partners) body changes during pregnancy: …
[1.] The spooning sex position …
[2.] The side by side sex position …
[3.] The woman on top sex position …
[4.] The rear entry sex position is said to be good for g-spot stimulation …
[5.] The edge of the bed sex position …”Cory Silverberg, liveabout.com, 10/3/2017
- 8 Things You Should Know Before Having Pregnancy Sex
“We consulted sex therapists Ursula Ofman, PsyD, Vanessa Marin, and Kat Van Kirk, PhD about what to know about pregnancy sex no matter which camp you fall in. …
[1.] Body insecurity and symptoms such as fatigue and morning sickness can contribute to aversion to sex, which is not an uncommon feeling. …
[2.] You may not be the only one feeling unsure about sex during your pregnancy: Your partner may be feeling it, too. …
[3.] Increased blood flow can mean higher sex drives for some pregnant people. …
[4.] Remember to think beyond vaginal sex. …
[5.] Avoid sex on your back, particularly late in pregnancy. …
[6.] Receiver-on-top, spooning, and doggy style positions may offer the most comfort. …
[7.] Don’t shy away from sex toys. …
[8.] Get wet — all over. …”Rosemary Donahue, allure.com, 6/29/2017
- Sex During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?
“With all of that said, research suggests that most people tend to be more worried about this subject than they should be. As long as the partners are healthy and the pregnancy is not high-risk, having sex throughout a pregnancy is generally considered to be safe. However, should you have concerns about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.”
Dr. Justin Lehmiller, lehmiller.com, 2/3/2017
- How Sex Changes During Pregnancy, Nursing, And Parenthood
“Many men also experience dramatic libido changes during their wives’ pregnancies. Most expect to feel turned on by their wives’ changing bodies. Actually, many feel surprisingly turned off. Swedish researchers studied 112 pregnant couples. Some of the men couldn’t get enough sex with their pregnant wives, but others completely lost interest, especially during the third trimester.”
Michael Castleman MA, psychologytoday.com, 7/1/2016
- Why Pregnancy Sex Is So Important
“Many people are scared that sex and especially rough sex will hurt the baby. The reality is that penetration is not going to affect the baby at all. They are well and safe away from everything that is going on. Many people believe that it’s bad for the baby to be exposed to sex. In fact, it is actually really good for the baby to be next to love and eroticism. It is all just a flowing mass of fluid and yumminess as far as they are concerned. If you find yourself feeling such aversion, take the time to think about it, feel the actual feeling of aversion and breathe into the discomfort. Don’t let the feeling run the show and prevent the three of you from getting the intimacy you all need. It can really help to share these feelings with your partner.”
Julian Redwood, MFT, pregnancymagazine.com, 6/30/2016
- A Partner’s Guide To Pregnancy
“Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Unless your partner’s obstetrician or other health care professional has told her otherwise, you can have sex throughout pregnancy. You may need to try new positions as your partner’s belly grows. Also, keep in mind that intercourse may be uncomfortable at times for your partner.”American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, acog.org, 5/2016
- STDs During Pregnancy – CDC Fact Sheet
“I’m pregnant. Can I get an STD?
Yes, you can. Women who are pregnant can become infected with the same STDs as women who are not pregnant. Pregnancy does not provide women or their babies any additional protection against STDs. … The results of an STD can be more serious, even life-threatening, for you and your baby if you become infected while pregnant. It is important that you are aware of the harmful effects of STDs and how to protect yourself and your unborn baby against infection. If you are diagnosed with an STD while pregnant, your sex partner(s) should also be tested and treated.”Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov, 3/28/2016; (Broken link removed 12/2024)