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What's OK, What's Not
The Mom-to-be's Guide to Safe Sex
By Teri Brown
(Moodswings Press, 2003) agrees.
"It is very safe for a pregnant woman to have sex," says Dr. Bennet. "As a matter of fact, unless there is a particular medical concern, having intercourse close to her due date actually helps the process – the prostaglandins and sperm ripen the cervix!"
So not only can partners engage in sexual intercourse, it can actually be beneficial!
Though Dr. Bennet says that the effect of sex on a pregnant woman's mood varies because of biochemical factors, sex can make a woman feel much better emotionally.
"If she is feeling a lack of confidence due to a poor body image, the love and interest of her husband can definitely boost her mood," says Dr. Bennet.
"A pregnant woman with a physical condition such as sciatica or a severe case of varicose veins would most likely avoid intercourse due to the pain," says Dr. Bennet.
Some doctors also believe that sex should be avoided if the mucous plug has been dislodged. The mucous plug acts as a barrier to bacterial contamination, and having sex may expose both mother and fetus to infection.
If you have been diagnosed with any sort of medical condition that may affect the pregnancy or the health of the child, the safety of sexual intercourse should be discussed with your health care provider.
Dr. Adelaide Nardone, advisor to The Vagisil Women's Health Center and an obstetrician at Women's and Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I., believes a caring sexual relationship with a partner is one of the most important mood lifters a pregnant woman can get.
"A healthy intimate relationship with your partner is an important component of a woman's overall feeling about herself and her pregnancy," says Dr. Nardone. "Continuing some intimacy with a partner who she loves makes her feel better about herself, her body and her unborn child."
On the other hand, some women do not feel up to having intercourse while pregnant because of physical discomfort, hormones or fatigue. This should be respected. Hugging, kissing and other forms of intimacy are great substitutions. Honesty and open communication about your needs and concerns are paramount to continuing a close relationship with your partner during the pregnancy.
The following tips will help you and your partner have safe sex during your pregnancy:
- Any bleeding during pregnancy should be addressed with your health care provider. Although some women do experience post-coital staining, this may be an indication of a more serious problem.
- Women should not engage in anal sex when pregnant for fear of infection and rectal trauma.
- Avoid using sex toys or fingers internally to avoid infection, rupturing the bag of water or cervical damage.
- If a woman is engaging in sexual activity and is experiencing pain in that position, then the position should be avoided.
- It is advised that women do not remain in the supine position (which means on the back) for long periods of time in late pregnancy, as it can cut off the oxygen supply to the baby.
- Unless you know the sexual history of the partner you are having intercourse with, it is smart to use a condom.
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