Myth 1. Sex during pregnancy will harm the child
This is a very vague formulation, but many future parents are afraid that somehow sex will harm the fetus. It's hard to imagine how exactly: after all, the penis does not reach the organs where the embryo is located. The future child is protected by amniotic fluid, a membrane, the uterus, and the cervix. It needs to survive in a foreign body for nine months, and such a natural process as sex cannot harm it.
And don't think that the child will understand or notice anything. When the pregnancy proceeds calmly, and the woman is relaxed and satisfied, then the child, of course, finds it easier to develop. In other ways, parental sex will not affect it.
Myth 2. You can't have sex in the first and last trimester of pregnancy
If the pregnancy proceeds normally, without complications, then there are no restrictions on sex.
Sometimes one has to give up traditional sex, but this is related not to the term of pregnancy, but to the woman's condition. The contraindications are as follows:
- Bleeding during pregnancy.
- Placenta previa.
- Placental abruption.
- Presence of hematoma.
- Isthmic-cervical insufficiency.
Determining most of these contraindications on your own is not possible; you need to be monitored by a doctor who will tell you whether to continue your sexual life. And if the doctor doesn't say anything, don't hesitate to ask.
Myth 3. Sex causes premature labor
Researchers have found no connection between sex and the date of delivery Effect of vaginal intercourse on spontaneous labor at term: a randomized controlled trial . Research results indicate that it does not matter how much a pregnant woman makes love. Labor comes when both the mother and child are ready, not when the couple decided to have sex Coitus to expedite the onset of labour: a randomised trial .
A female orgasm does not cause contractions. The uterus is a muscular organ that contracts a bit more strongly during orgasm under the influence of hormones; this lasts for a few seconds. Such a brief effect is incomparable to labor contractions, so you can confidently enjoy yourself.
In the last weeks of pregnancy, vigorous sex is not recommended, but during this time, it is not advisable to overexert oneself in general. So slow sex can be practiced right up until delivery. This does not affect anything except for good relationships.
Myth 4. Sex during pregnancy is beneficial for labor
It is said that sperm contains prostaglandins, which help prepare the cervix for labor. Therefore, in the weeks leading up to the expected date, one needs to be diligent in bed.
Prostaglandins are indeed found in many tissues of the body (including in sperm), and the cervix shortens before labor. But these are two facts that are not related to each other Which Factors Contribute to False-Positive, False-Negative, and Invalid Results in Fetal Fibronectin Testing in Women with Symptoms of Preterm Labor? . Therefore, make love, not therapy.
Myth 5. It will be painful
This is not entirely a myth. A woman's body changes significantly during pregnancy, and it's not just the size of the belly.
Blood circulation in the pelvis is enhanced, organs bear increased loads, hormonal balance changes, and yeast infections often manifest. These factors sometimes lead to pain during sex or to the pleasant sensations disappearing Evaluation of sexual functions of the pregnant women .
Look for new positions, use lubrication and don't forget about foreplay to relax and enjoy.
Myth 6. A condom is always needed during pregnancy
You cannot get pregnant again, so as a contraceptive method a condom is definitely not needed.
It’s a different matter if a woman finds a new man or if the permanent partner has infections. In these cases, a condom is always necessary, not just during pregnancy.
Myth 7. There will be no sex during pregnancy at all
If there are no contraindications, then there is no sense in limiting oneself in sex. But only if there is a desire to make love. Many women experience a decrease in libido during pregnancy, sometimes so much so that they don't want sex at all. This is a consequence of hormonal fluctuations. Forcing oneself is not the best solution, especially if you add poor well-being and mood swings to it.
But if the new condition has resulted in a greater desire for sex, then try it and don’t worry.
