How Should Sexual Activity Be During Pregnancy?

Many women fear that sexual intercourse during pregnancy may lead to premature birth, miscarriages, harm the fetus, trigger labor, or rupture the amniotic sac. These fears can lead prospective parents to reconsider their sexual life. However, sexual intercourse is considered healthy during a normal pregnancy. There is no issue with engaging in sexual intercourse as often as desired throughout a healthy pregnancy.

Is Sexual Activity Safe During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, misconceptions and misinformation about sexual life are often heard. The belief that "sexual activity during pregnancy harms the baby or causes miscarriage" is incorrect. The pregnancy period represents a transitional phase for prospective parents, moving from being a couple to becoming a family. A healthy sexual relationship during this time can strengthen emotional bonds and make the pregnancy experience more positive. For expectant mothers experiencing a normal and healthy pregnancy without a risk of miscarriage, there are no problems with engaging in sexual intercourse until the end of pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different. Therefore, maternal health, fetal health, medical advice, and levels of discomfort should be taken into account. Recommendations from doctors should be followed, and any concerns should be discussed with a physician.

Does Sexual Activity During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?

If the expectant mother does not have a risk of miscarriage, any bleeding, infections, a history of previous miscarriages, or any condition that may trigger premature labor, there is no hindrance to continuing sexual activity throughout the pregnancy.

Many prospective parents refrain from sexual intercourse due to fears that the penis may come into contact with the baby, that sexual activity may lead to premature birth or miscarriage, initiate labor, or rupture the amniotic sac. Understanding the anatomy can help clarify this situation. The fetus, or baby, is surrounded by a fluid called amniotic fluid within the uterus and is contained within a closed muscular tissue known as the cervix. The cervix seals the opening of the uterus and creates a wall extending into the vagina. During sexual intercourse, due to this wall between the vagina and cervix, the penis cannot enter the cervix, thus there is no direct contact with the fetus or baby. Additionally, the belief that sexual activity during pregnancy can lead to infections is also false. This is because the cervical canal is covered by a mucus plug, which prevents bacteria from entering the uterus, allowing the fetus to develop away from bacteria. The amniotic sac is resilient to trauma and pressure. The uterus and cervical muscles are also elastic and durable, so they are not affected by weight during intercourse. During pregnancy, these structures are protected for the baby by the body's natural defense mechanisms. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, and as long as the pregnancy progresses healthily, sexual activity does not cause any negative effects on the baby. However, it should be remembered that each pregnancy process is unique and different. If there is a high risk to the mother or baby, or if there is a specific medical issue, it is essential to follow the doctor's recommendations.

In Which Positions Should Couples Have Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting, feelings of weakness and fatigue that are often experienced during pregnancy are factors that can affect a woman's sexuality and libido. Most pregnant women believe that their sexual function decreases due to these reasons. In addition to these factors, the natural changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy are often viewed negatively by pregnant women, leading to a decline in sexual function. The growing belly throughout the pregnancy process can also make it difficult to choose appropriate positions for intercourse. The most effective way to address this issue is to identify the positions in which the pregnant woman feels most comfortable during sexual intercourse and to continue with various positions to alleviate problems arising from pregnancy. Side-by-side positions, woman-on-top positions, and positions where the woman is on her knees and hands are comfortable options for intercourse during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows or cushion supports can be used to make these positions more comfortable. These pillows can help reduce pain by supporting the expectant mother’s body. Besides vaginal intercourse, other forms of sexual activity during pregnancy, such as massage, oral sex, masturbation, fantasies, and the use of sex toys, can positively impact couples' sexual lives.

In What Situations Should Sexual Activity Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Throughout the pregnancy, topics such as sexual intercourse, sexual positions, and whether sexual activity is safe in the later months are quite controversial. However, there is a more important detail beyond these topics. There are specific situations where sexual intercourse during pregnancy should be avoided. These situations must be communicated to prospective parents by doctors. These special situations include:

• High-risk pregnancy groups, especially with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning), or risks of premature labor
• Current pregnancy with a risk of miscarriage or history of previous miscarriages
• Cervical dilation
• Cervical insufficiency
• Uterine contractions
• Risks of premature birth
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Unexpected or unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Multiple pregnancies
• Low-lying placenta (placenta previa) or placental abruption

All of the above conditions are important considerations regarding sexual intercourse during pregnancy. However, it should be remembered that every pregnancy is special and unique. Each mother's health situation is individual. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular doctor check-ups throughout the pregnancy and to follow the doctor’s recommendations. Paying attention to your doctor's advice and the specific needs related to your pregnancy will provide the best approach for maternal and fetal health.

What Should Be Considered During Sexual Intercourse in Pregnancy?

In addition to all this information, there are some points that expectant mothers and fathers should be aware of in their daily sexual lives. It is not normal for a pregnant woman to experience pain during sexual intercourse. Contractions in the uterus occur during orgasm, but these contractions are not painful. In particular, if regular contractions, pain, or bleeding occur during or after intercourse, this should be communicated to a doctor as soon as possible. Except for special circumstances, there are no restrictions on the frequency of sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy. However, care should be taken not to overstrain the uterus and abdomen during intercourse.

If there are complaints such as vaginal dryness or burning during sexual intercourse, water-based lubricating gels can be used instead of chemical lubricants. Additionally, the hormone oxytocin is released in response to stimulation of the nipples, so attention should be paid to sensitivity in the nipples. When using condoms, it is important to ensure they are not overly scented and do not contain chemical substances.

In light of all this information, what is important in sexual intimacy is understanding what the partners mean by it and providing correct information to the couples accordingly. With proper counseling services during the pregnancy, misconceptions will be eliminated, and the pregnancy process will become a period that couples can express joyfully, rather than fearfully.