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Sex during Pregnancy

 
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Sex during pregnancy might sound really interesting, or to some absolutely crazy! Each trimester has fluctuations in hormone levels and might affect your mood towards intimacy and intercourse. If your pregnancy is not proceeding normally, sexual intercourse might be contraindicated depending on the cause. It is important to refer to your provider if there are any questions about the health status of your pregnancy.

The first trimester seems to decrease the woman’s libido and urges for intercourse. There is often accompanying fatigue and nausea with the new changes and an overall lack of interest. According to the Mayo Clinic, despite these individual feelings there are no contraindications of intercourse during the entire pregnancy. Some couples are worried about vaginal intercourse possibly increasing the chance of miscarriage, especially during this first trimester, but spontaneous early miscarriages are generally chromosomal abnormalities and not related to anything personally done or possibly prevented by the mother.

The second trimester is responsible for increasing blood flow to the mother’s sexual organs and breasts. Along with this is an increase is libido and sexual desire. Couples may need to get a little more creative with positions, in particularly preventing mother from laying flat on her back. (When you lay flat on your back, the increased weight of the uterus presses down on the major vessels in your back that return blood from the legs to the heart). A few positions like female superior and side-by-side lying are recommended.

The third trimester might be a little more interesting with the increasing weight gain and fatigue. If intercourse is not on the agenda, other alternatives like massages can keep intimacy in the bedroom.

Throughout the pregnancy, if intercourse ever gets uncomfortable or causes uterine cramping or vaginal bleeding, talk to your caregiver as soon as possible. Also, continue with “safer sex” practices because women may be at risk for acquiring infections (which has an increased incidence with preterm labor). If you have further questions regarding intercourse and pregnancy, feel free to ask!

Some information from this article and more detailed information about sex during pregnancy can be found at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sex-during-pregnancy/ho00140

Claire is a twenty-three year old nursing student at Arizona State University. She currently lives is Tempe, AZ with her dog Bella.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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