Some common fears and myths about sex and pregnancy:
Fear: Sex during pregnancy will harm the fetus.
Reality: As long as there are no risk factors (e.g., a sexually transmitted infection), sex does not cause harm to the fetus. In fact, a 2001 study in which 1,853 pregnant women were interviewed, indicated that sexual activity may even have a protective effect against early delivery.
Fear: Sex during pregnancy causes uterine contractions, resulting in premature labor.
Reality: Women who are sexually active late in pregnancy are much less likely to deliver before thirty-seven weeks of gestation than those who are not sexually active.
Fear: The penis and sperm might harm the fetus.
Reality: It is physically impossible for the penis and semen to come into contact with the fetus.
Fear: Sex toys are harmful to use during pregnancy.
Reality: As long as sex toys are cleaned with warm water and soap after every use, and stored in a dry, cool location, sex toys will not harm or invite infection to the mother or her fetus.
Fear: My wife may not be up for sex, so I shouldn't bring it up.
Reality: You won't know until you ask.
Precautions that are justified:
Regardless of whether or not you face one of the following circumstances, you should always consult with a health-care practitioner before deciding that it's okay to have sex during your pregnancy.
- Placenta previa: a condition where the placenta lies low in the uterus, blocking all or part of the cervix
- Placenta abruption: in which the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall.
- Multiple fetuses: sex can be safe in early pregnancy, but first check with your health-care provider.
- Serious uterine irritability or preterm uterine contractions.
- High risk of premature delivery.
- Spotting/bleeding (in some cases)
- Pain
- Past history of miscarriage
- An imcompetent cervix: in which the cervix dilates prematurely and can't "hold in" the fetus
- An active sexually transmitted infection
- Rupture of the amniotic membranes or leaking of amniotic fluid.
Danielle Cavallucci is an ISSA certified fitness and nutrition expert who developed a sex and sensuality coaching model with coauthor Yvonne K. Fulbright. After the birth of her first child, she became a birthing mentor and a specialist in pregnancy fitness.
Her book "Your Orgasmic Pregnancy" is available on Amazon or thru Hunter House Publishers (www.hunterhouse.com).
>> Buy the book on Amazon
For more information on Sexual and Sensual coaching during pregnancy, visit www.sensualfusion.com.
