Is Having Sex During Pregnancy a Good Idea?

The nine months of pregnancy are like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It’s normal to be bombarded by varied emotions, from anxiety to excitement and from intense love to extreme anger… all within hours of each other! Apart from mood swings, you may also be coping with nausea, low energy and sleep deprivation.

While going through an emotional and physical rollercoaster ride, sex might be the last thing on your mind. In fact, your first priority would be to do what you believe is right for the baby. If you’re living in a metro like Bangalore, you probably already have the best gynecologist in Bangalore and maybe even joined yoga classes to ensure a smooth delivery. Many couples, especially women, would not consider sex a priority at such a time.

In fact, many couples abstain from getting physically intimate fearing that they may harm the baby in some way. The good news is that sex will not only not harm your baby, but may also be good for your and your baby’s health.

Myths About Sex During Pregnancy

Here are a few things parents-to-be worry about and should not:

• Sex can cause vaginal infections: If you have the same partner, the chances are low. Moreover, the most common vaginal infection is not an STD. A high level of hygiene needs to be maintained if you’re pregnant, irrespective of whether you’re having sex.
• Intercourse will hurt the baby: Your body has a number of natural shields that protect your baby from internal and external pressures. Your womb is made of exceptionally strong muscles and your baby is surrounding by the amniotic sac (a bag filled with fluid).
• Sex causes preterm labor: On the contrary, intercourse has proved to lower the chance of a premature delivery. 

Benefits of Sex for Pregnant Women

• Develops a Bond Between the Partners: It’s normal for the husband-wife relationship to go through ups and downs during pregnancy. Having sex releases oxytocin, or the cuddle hormone, which strengthens the bond between a woman and her man.
• Better Orgasms: Some women have experienced better climaxes during pregnancy. The reason could be the increased blood flow into the pelvic area, which heightens sensation.
• Calming Effect: Intercourse has a calming effect, helping you sleep better and keeping your blood pressure in check.
• Keeps the Child Safe: A unique protein in semen prevents pre-eclampsia in women. 

Do note that all these benefits of intercourse are in the case of a normal pregnancy. If there are complications, intercourse can cause harm. In either case, it is best to consult a gynecologist before you have intercourse with your partner. Of course, this is a great time to hug and kiss a lot, and have oral sex.