How to navigate sex during pregnancy
Couples who are expecting a child will naturally have a million questions throughout the nine months of pregnancy, about anything under the sun. But new data reveals that there is one question that expectant parents are especially curious about, and it has nothing to do with childbirth or babies.
In fact, according to the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), tens of thousands of expectant parents are asking this question every single month: "Can we have sex during pregnancy?"
The organisation saw nearly 200,000 visits to its advice page on this topic this year alone, making it the most popular resource page on the NCT website. More people visited this page than pages on what to know about bleeding after birth and how to gently stop breastfeeding.
The NCT said that this suggests many couples are prioritising maintaining their intimacy with one another even as they navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy together.
One of the top concerns for parents was whether having sex could hurt the baby. The NCT confirms that, for most people, it is perfectly safe to have sex, including penetrative sex and masturbation, during pregnancy.
Penetrative sex cannot go beyond the cervix, which means the baby cannot feel it and it is also well-protected from infection by the mucus plug and amniotic sac, according to an NCT practitioner.
Fleur Parker, who is also an antenatal educator, said: "Many people approach sex during pregnancy with caution and may experience changes in their sex drive and sex life as a pregnancy progresses.
"But the most important thing to note is that sex during pregnancy is generally safe and will not harm your baby."
She adds that some people may experience Braxton Hicks contractions - also known as ‘practice contractions’ or ‘false labour’ - after an orgasm, but this is nothing to worry about.
"While an orgasm might occasionally trigger Braxton Hicks contractions later on in pregnancy, it’s nothing to worry about and lying down and relaxing can help them go away.
“In fact, you might find that you experience more intense orgasms during pregnancy, thanks to increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity," Parker adds.
"Comfort during sex becomes crucial as your body changes, and you might find you prefer positions that reduce pressure on the abdomen. And if you don't feel like having penetrative sex, there are other ways to be intimate. You can cuddle, kiss, give or receive massages or masturbate."
When it comes to libido during pregnancy, it’s normal for it to fluctuate. It is common to have less sex during pregnancy and after the baby is born for a number of reasons, including nausea, exhaustion, or just not feeling like it.
Parker advises: "Talking about how you’re feeling can help people feel connected, but no one should be pressured or forced to do something sexual that they don’t want to.
"With record numbers turning to NCT for trusted information, it’s clear that sex during pregnancy is a hot topic, and something that is very important for expectant parents. During this time, it’s important to listen to your body, explore what feels comfortable, and keep the lines of communication open."
While having sex during pregnancy is generally safe, there are some situations in which healthcare providers may recommend avoiding penetrative sex. These include:
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy
If the water have broken, having penetrative sex can increase the risk of infection
Placenta praevia or problems with the cervix
Previous early labours
Being in the late stages of pregnancy with twins or multiples
If you need more information about sex during pregnancy, or any other question about pregnancy and childbirth, you can visit the National Childbirth Trust’s website.
Read more about pregnancy:
5 pregnancy-safe exercises recommended by experts (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
The rise of pregnancies in women over 40 as Kourtney Kardashian welcomes baby boy (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Your baby's eczema may be a sign they'll develop asthma and allergies in later life (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
