Hey girlie- I found a little bit of
information for you!
when should I avoid
sex?
Assuming your pregnancy is normal and
low-risk, you shouldn't have to say no to
a roll in the hay. In fact, many couples
continue their sex life right up to their
baby's delivery. Neither intercourse nor
orgasm poses a threat to a healthy
pregnant woman or her baby. The thick
mucus plug that seals the cervix during
pregnancy helps guard against infection.
And the baby is well protected by the
fluid-filled amniotic sac and strong
uterine muscles.
However, if you're having a high-risk
pregnancy or your practitioner anticipates
any complications, you may have to forgo
sex. (and of course, if you notice any
unusual symptoms during or following
intercourse, such as pain or discharge,
call your doctor or midwife before having
sex again.)
because orgasm can cause mild uterine
contractions (as can the prostaglandins in
semen), most doctors and midwives will
advise against intercourse if you have any
of the following conditions: an increased
risk for miscarriage
placenta previa or a very low-lying
placenta
a history of preterm birth
premature labor if you're less than 36
weeks pregnant
unexplained vaginal bleeding or
discharge
abdominal cramping
an "incompetent cervix"
a dilated cervix
ruptured membranes (your water has
broken)
an unhealed herpes lesion in either you
or your partner, or the presence of any
other sexually transmitted disease. In
this case, abstain from sex until you and
your mate have been treated and a
follow-up test shows you're both free of
disease. If your partner is hiv positive,
and you have sex while you're pregnant
especially without a condom you could be
putting yourself and your baby at risk for
contracting the disease.
If you have to forego sex, don't despair:
you can still kiss, engage in creative
foreplay, give each other long massages,
and share your feelings for each other.
can I have sex
while i'm pregnant?
Absolutely. With a normal pregnancy, you
can keep doing it right up until your
water breaks. Do check with your doctor
or midwife first if you've been treated
for premature labor or if you're having
any problems with your pregnancy, such as
a shortened or dilated cervix, leaking
amniotic fluid, placenta previa, or
bleeding, or if you have a history of
miscarriages. There are some instances
when you should avoid having sex.
But as long as your pregnancy is normal,
you won't hurt the baby by making love,
even with your partner on top. The thick
mucus plug that seals the cervix helps
guard against infection. The amniotic sac
and the strong muscles of the uterus also
protect your baby. Though your fetus may
thrash around a bit after orgasm, it's
because of your pounding heart, not
because he knows what's happening or feels
pain.
Will it feel as good?
Even better for some women, not as good
for others. Increased blood flow to the
pelvic area can cause engorgement of the
genitals and heighten the sensation. But
the same engorgement gives other women an
uncomfortable feeling of fullness after
intercourse ends. Also, some women may
have abdominal cramps during or after
intercourse. Your breasts may become
enlarged and can be more tender, which can
cause discomfort when they're fondled.
You may have more vaginal discharge or
moistness, which can make sex either more
pleasurable or can result in some vaginal
irritation. If you notice a sudden change
in the amount of vaginal discharge or a
foul or unusual odor, check with your
practitioner. You could have a vaginal
infection or your bag of waters may have
broken. When your water breaks, you may
feel a slow leak rather than a gush of
fluid all at once.
I haven't really been in the mood since I
got pregnant. Is this normal?
Yes, it can be. The big changes in your
body are bound to change your sex life.
Some women, finally free from worries
about conception and contraception, feel
sexier than ever. But others are just too
tired or nauseated to make love,
especially in the first trimester. The
second trimester is often marked by a
resurging libido. Your desire may wane
again in the third trimester as birth,
labor, and your belly loom large, or you
may simply feel unattractive or tired.
Will my partner's sex drive change?
Most people find their pregnant partner as
attractive as ever. But your partner's
desire may be dampened by concerns for
your health and the baby's, apprehension
about the burdens of parenthood, fear that
sex can hurt the baby, or even
self-consciousness about making love in
the presence of your unborn child.
Is oral sex safe?
Yes, oral sex won't harm you or your baby,
provided you're in a monogamous
relationship where both you and your
partner are hiv-negative. In fact many
consider it a nice substitute if
intercourse is deemed too risky. If
you're not sure what your partner's hiv
status is, then you need to use a dental
dam (a sheet of latex that you place
between your genitals and your partner's
mouth) because there's some evidence
suggesting that a person may be able to
transmit hiv through micro-abrasions or
tiny cuts in his mouth.
Which positions are the most
comfortable?
Here are some time-tested positions and
tips for making love while you're
pregnant:
lie sideways. Having your partner on
top demands increasingly creative
gymnastics as your tummy swells. But
lying partly sideways allows your partner
to keep most of his weight off your
uterus.
use the bed as a prop. Your bulge isn't
an obstacle if you lie on your back at the
side or foot of the bed with your knees
bent, and your bottom and feet perched at
the edge of the mattress. Your partner
can either kneel or stand in front of
you.
lie side-by-side in the spoon position,
which allows for only shallow penetration.
Deep thrusts can become uncomfortable as
the months pass.
get on top of your partner. It puts no
weight on your abdomen and allows you to
control the depth of penetration.
have your partner enter you from a
sitting position, which also puts no
weight on the uterus. Try sitting on your
partner's lap as he sits on a sturdy
chair.
Have faith where there's a will, there's
a way. With a little experimenting, you
and your partner are sure to find a
technique that works for you.
Hope this helps,
-kristin
hehe.
