Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Some women are concerned with having sex during pregnancy. There’s long been the argument that having sex may hurt the baby.
Debunking The Myth
The baby develops within a protective sac of amniotic fluid in the uterus. A mucus plug located at the bottom of the uterus blocks the opening of the cervix, keeping the baby safe within the uterus. This thick seal also protects the baby from bacteria and infection.
As long as you are medically cleared for sexual activity, it is safe to participate. Most sexual positions are safe during pregnancy. Oral sex is also safe. The priority is your comfort level. It’s hard to feel pleasure if you’re anxious, nervous or in pain.
Your body undergoes many physical changes during pregnancy so experiment with different positions as your pregnancy progresses. You can also experiment with different depths and speed. Figure out what works for your body now as it may have changed.
Tips for Sexual Activity
- Explore different angles for the hips and/or knees.
- Support pillows may be helpful to keep things comfortable.
- Don’t forget foreplay (more on that below).
- Keep it consensual.
- Communicating your needs to your partner is crucial!
When Should Sex be Avoided?
It’s recommended to check in with your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Leaking of amniotic fluid
- Premature opening of the cervix (cervical incompetence)
- Placenta placement complications (placenta previa)
- Premature labor or premature birth history
Need More Help?
There are many products on the market to help enhance sexual pleasure.
- Lubricants
- Ideal for vaginal dryness.
- Reduces friction and irritation.
- Sexual Buffers
- The Ohnut is designed to help individuals that experience deep pelvic pain during sex. This device provides a soft customizable ring barrier that allows better control of depth during intercourse.
- Dilators
- Dilators are typically used to slowly stretch the vaginal walls and commonly used in individuals that experience pain with sex.
- During pregnancy, dilator use should be cleared by your healthcare professional, especially if you are starting a new dilator program.
Traditional Foreplay
Foreplay is for EVERYONE. Foreplay should be a regular component of our sexual routine and often it is overlooked as a necessary aspect of our sexual encounters. It can be an important missing component in those experiencing painful or uncomfortable sex.
- Gentle foreplay helps to increase vaginal lubrication and facilitates blood flow into the pelvic floor muscles. This allows for increased mobility of the tissues with less friction, which decreases the likelihood of experiencing pain or discomfort.
More Questions?
We are here to help! We offer Telehealth appointments for pregnant and postpartum moms that are unable to see a physical therapist in person.
We offer up to 1 hour long appointments working with a physical therapist (no aides) in a private treatment room and are conveniently located near the Brooklyn Bridge in downtown Manhattan.
