LOVE, SEX, PREGNANCY, SAFETY & U

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?. Sex is considered safe during all stages of a normal
pregnancy. So what's a "normal pregnancy"?

It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term
labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if
you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category.
....Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily
want to have it!. Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during
certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes
uncomfortable
as their bodies get larger. You and your partner should keep the lines of
communication open regarding your sexual relationship.

.....Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing,
and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the
pregnancy — not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with
the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new
parent.

...When It's Not Safe?. Two types of sexual behavior aren't safe for any pregnant
woman: 1. If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina.
Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble),
which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
2. You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to u or
who may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as herpes, genital warts,
chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your
baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.
3. Doctors sometimes also recommend avoiding anal sex during pregnancy. If
significant complications with your pregnancy are anticipated or detected by your
health care
provider, he or she may advise against sexual intercourse.
...Common risk factors include: a history or threat of miscarriage a history of pre-term
labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk
of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions) unexplained vaginal
bleeding, discharge, or cramping leakage of amniotic fluid (d fluid that surrounds d
baby) placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that
nourishes the baby) is down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens)
prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery multiple fetuses
(twins, triplets, etc.)
...Common Questions and Concerns. These are some of the most frequently asked
questions about sex during pregnancy. Can sex harm my baby? No. ur baby is fully
protected by d amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus and surrounding
fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also a thick mucus plug that seals
the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis does not come into contact with
the fetus during sex.
...Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions? In cases of normal,
low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel
during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with
labor. However, you should check with your health care provider to make sure that
your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category.
...Some doctors also recommend that all women stop having sex during the final
weeks of pregnancy, just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical
that may
actually stimulate contractions. Check with your health care provider to see what he or
she
thinks is best.
...Is it normal for my sex drive to increase or decrease during pregnancy? Actually,
both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between). Many pregnant
women
find that symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need
to urinate make sex too bothersome, especially during the first trimester.
...Generally, fatigue and nausea subside during the second trimester, and some women
find
that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that freedom from worries
about
contraception, combined with a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, makes
sex more fulfilling. Desire generally subsides
again during the third trimester as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of
what's about to happen sets in.
...Your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase or decrease as well. Some feel even
closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the
changes in their bodies. Others may experience decreased desire because of anxiety
about the burdens of parenthood, or because of concerns about the health of
both the mother and their unborn child.
...Your partner may have trouble reconciling your identity as a sexual partner with your
new (and increasingly visible) identity as an
expectant mother. Again, remember that communication with your partner can be a
great help in dealing with these issues.
....When to Call the Doctor Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex
is safe
for you. Also, call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain,
bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience
contractions that seem to continue after sex.
...Remember, "normal" is a relative term when it comes to sex during pregnancy. You
and your partner need to discuss what feels right for both of you.....!.