Sex during pregnancy
 |
| Sex during pregnancy |
Sex during pregnancy has been considered historically and by different cultures and societies as harmful and unnecessary and may harm the fetus and be counterproductive.
The truth is that during pregnancy an alteration of sexual desire occurs, with changes in frequency and orgasmic capacity. There are factors that work against it, such as the first-trimester discomfort, whether in the form of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, or later due to increased abdominal volume, and discomfort in maintaining relationships. Concern about hypothetical harm to the fetus will always work against it.
All this means that sexual relations during pregnancy are modified both in their frequency and in their acceptance. The changing silhouette of the pregnant woman, so different from that of the non-pregnant woman, with an evident increase in breast volume, the progressive growth of the abdomen, and the adaptation of the spine mean that self-acceptance may go against the possibility of having sex.
Separate mention corresponds to the role of the breasts during sexual intercourse in pregnancy. The breasts are more sensitive to rubbing and can become unpleasant. Especially in the final months, the excitement of the nipples can release oxytocin, which also contributes to generating uterine contractions.
The knowledge that seminal secretion releases a small number of substances called prostaglandins, or that orgasm can release oxytocin, and that both can cause contractions, does not help to promote the idea of having sex either.
Instead, there are also flattering factors such as increased vaginal discharge, blood flow, and vaginal tenderness.
There are some situations, which may nevertheless contraindicate sexual intercourse, which must be recognized by the obstetrician and communicated to the couple, such as the placenta previa, the threat of premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and cervical incompetence.
In the different visits that must be maintained throughout the pregnancy, the obstetric team should advise on this matter. They are very obvious, infrequent situations, but they must be taken into account.
In conclusion, sexual relations can be freely maintained during pregnancy, except in very few circumstances, and they must adopt postures that do not compress the woman's abdomen.
One last point to keep in mind is the best time to restart sex after childbirth. On the one hand, the desire to want to return to normality may lead to restarting relationships too soon, but the fear of pain can delay it. There are several factors to take into account, such as whether it was a cesarean section or a vaginal delivery.
In the case of cesarean section, intercourse could be restarted approximately one month after delivery, and in vaginal delivery, it will depend on whether there has been an episiotomy or not.