How
pregnancy affects you sexually
Generally pregnant women experience one of the
two sex drive patterns. In the first, desire lessens
in the first trimester, picks up in the second
and declines again in the final trimester. The
first trimester has its own set of problems such
as nausea and fatigue. During the third trimester,
weight gain, enlarged abdomen, tender breasts
may create discomfort and disinterest in sex.
In the second instance, a gradual decrease in
desire for sex is observed as pregnancy progresses.
Some women experience enhanced sex drive owing
to their raging hormones; others feel less attractive
and so sex is the last thing on their minds. Whichever
the case it is important to open the channels
of communication with your partner and bring out
your feelings in the open.
Six most common fears about sex during pregnancy:
Fear # 1 - Miscarriage
This fear tops
the list. Most couples are especially afraid of
loss during the first trimester when the threat
of miscarrying is always the greatest. However
according to research the most common cause for
miscarriage are genetic factors and infections.
In the absence of these 2 conditions, sex during
pregnancy isn't likely to cause any problems in
a healthy pregnancy. However if they exist, then
sex or no sex, you could miscarry anyway. The
bottom line: Always ask your doctor if your pregnancy
is at risk and seek doctor's advice on sexual
issues.
Fear # 2 - Premature Labor he predominant fear during
the second and especially the third trimester
is premature labor. Research has shown that preterm
labor is less common among pregnant women who
had intercourse at least once a week. Also, sex
during pregnancy is safe and has a protective
effect against early labor in all but a very small
group of women (those carrying more than one baby
or having placental problems). The bottom line:
If your pregnancy is complication-free and not
at risk for premature labor then sex through the
end is okay for you - particularly if you avoid
the male-superior or missionary position after
16 weeks until baby's birth because the weight
of uterus restricts circulation. If you experience
extreme cramping after intercourse, bring up issue
with your doctor before trying again.
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Fear # 3 - Hurting the Baby
Third on the list, but it should be the least
of your concerns. Experts opine that it is impossible
to harm the fetus in the uterus because your baby
literally floats in a pool of fluid and your abdominal
wall and your entire pelvic structure protects
this pool. This cushions your baby against everything
except direct blows to your stomach. In addition,
your cervical mucus plug guards the uterus opening,
preventing sperm and bacteria from coming into
contact with the baby. The bottom line: Sex during
pregnancy won't endanger baby. Your baby won't
even know what the two of you are up to.
Fear # 4 - Bleeding and Cramping
Cramping or bleeding following
sex is not caused by the act but happens due to
other reasons. Bleeding in early pregnancy occurs
in as many as 50% of all pregnancies and the most
common cause is a fragile cervix. During pregnancy
the cervix descends lower into the vagina, and
its tiny capillaries can sometimes break during
intercourse, resulting in small amount of spotting
lasting between 10 mins to an hour following the
act. Cramping, mild uterine contractions following
sexual stimulation, is not something to worry
about. It generally subsides after an hour following
sex and is not considered dangerous. The bottom
line: If mild bleeding or cramping results after
sexual intercourse, bed rest for an hour or two
is recommended during which time these symptoms
should ebb. If they don't or if they are severe,
call your doctor right away. In fact it is advisable
to mention any episodes of bleeding or cramping
to your doctor, no matter how slight.
Fear # 5 - Orgasm
Cramping
and slight spotting are often triggered when pregnant
women climax. This has set the fear alarm in women.
However these fears are unfounded in majority
of the cases. The bottom line: Orgasms do cause
uterine contractions but they do not cause cervical
dilation and hence do not initiate labor. Again,
do mention any incidents of cramping or spotting
to your doctor.
Fear # 6 - Oral sex
In reality the only real
danger associated with oral sex is if your partner
has cold sore on or around the lips, or if he
harbors any dental infection. These can be passed
on to you and create problems during the later
part of pregnancy and /or delivery. In the same
token do not perform oral sex on your partner
if he has any evidence of an STD.
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