Harmful effects of sex during pregnancy in the first months

Intimacy during pregnancy is a sensitive topic that raises questions for many couples. Despite common concerns, having sex during the first months of pregnancy has many health and psychological benefits. However, there are some cases that may require avoiding this relationship. In this report, "Dalili Medical" reviews the benefits of intimacy during the first months of pregnancy, in addition to the cases in which it may be prohibited.

**Is ejaculation allowed during pregnancy?**
There is no harm in ejaculating in the vagina during pregnancy, as the semen does not enter the uterus or reach the fetus surrounded by the amniotic sac and the placenta.

**Does foreplay harm pregnant women in the first months?**
Foreplay does not cause any harm during the first months of pregnancy, provided that it is done calmly and without violence or pressure on the abdominal area. It is also recommended to avoid using violent sex toys during foreplay.

**Does anal sex affect the fetus?**
Yes, anal sex increases the risk of bacterial infections that may be transmitted to the vagina, leading to serious genital and urinary tract infections that may increase the chances of miscarriage. In general, it is preferable to avoid anal sex due to the potential harm to both parties.

**Is it necessary to use a condom during pregnancy?**
Using a condom is not necessary during pregnancy, but it may be safer to avoid transmitting any sexual infections from the husband to the pregnant wife, and thus to the fetus.

**What is the permissible limit for sexual intercourse for pregnant women?**
There is no ideal frequency for intercourse, and any frequency is considered safe. The number of times sex varies greatly between couples, and the frequency of intercourse may vary for the same couple in different months.

**Is it safe to have sex in the third trimester of pregnancy?**
Sex during the last weeks of pregnancy is considered safe if the pregnancy is healthy and normal. Despite the progress of pregnancy and the increase in the size of the abdomen, intimate relations do not stimulate labor as some believe, and cannot lead to miscarriage.

**Sex and Intimacy During the Three Stages of Pregnancy**

**Intimacy in the First Weeks of Pregnancy:** Sex during the first weeks of pregnancy is considered safe, unless advised by the doctor to avoid it. It is important for the husband to avoid pressure on the abdomen and lower abdomen during intercourse to avoid the risk of miscarriage. It is usually preferable to avoid intercourse in the first months if there is a history of miscarriage or weak pregnancy.

**Marital intercourse in the fifth month:** Intimacy in the fifth month may be somewhat uncomfortable, as contractions increase in this month, which may cause concern for the pregnant woman. However, contractions that occur after intercourse are not a cause for concern if they are not accompanied by bleeding. During this period, it is advisable not to overdo sex and avoid pressure on the abdominal area.

**Intercourse in the last months:** Intercourse in the last month of pregnancy is considered safe and beneficial, as it helps dilate the cervix in preparation for an easy birth. However, if there are any complications such as bleeding or severe contractions, it is preferable to consult the doctor supervising the pregnancy.

**When should you consult a doctor about having sex?** It is normal to feel some cramps during or after intercourse, but if these cramps last for a long time or you feel pain or bleeding, you should see a doctor immediately.

Do not hesitate to tell your doctor or the doctor following up on your pregnancy about any concerns or questions related to intimate relations with your husband. You can also take your husband with you during your visit to the clinic to get the necessary information.

**Does the fetus feel intimate relations?** The fetus does not feel the details of the actions performed by the mother, such as eating, drinking, or having sexual relations. However, the fetus may be affected by the position adopted during intercourse, especially if the abdominal area is exposed to pressure. Therefore, the couple should choose a comfortable position for the woman and avoid putting pressure on the abdominal area to ensure the safety of the fetus.

Is it permissible for a pregnant woman to have intercourse at any time during pregnancy?

In general, sexual relations are permissible throughout pregnancy unless the doctor recommends otherwise. However, a doctor should be consulted in the following cases related to sexual intercourse for pregnant women:

- **Vaginal or stomach pain**: If the pregnant woman feels pain in these areas, she should consult a doctor.
- **Pregnancy with twins or more**: It is preferable to consult a doctor in this case.
- **Bleeding**: In the event of vaginal bleeding, even if the amount is small, sexual intercourse should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted immediately to ensure that there are no health problems.
- **Amniotic fluid leakage**: If the pregnant woman feels fluid coming out of the vagina, she should stop sexual intercourse and consult a doctor, as the doctor may prevent sexual intercourse if the gestational sac ruptures.
- **Placental problems**: In the event of problems such as displacement or separation of part of the placenta, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse until delivery.
- **Recurrent miscarriages**: If the pregnant woman has had previous miscarriages, it is preferable to avoid sexual intercourse, especially in the first months.
- **Husband's infection with sexually transmitted diseases**: If the husband has a sexually transmitted disease, sexual intercourse should be avoided to avoid transmission of the infection.
- **Cervical insufficiency**: In case of weak cervix and premature dilation, sexual intercourse should be avoided until delivery.

- **Twin pregnancy**: It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse in the first and last trimester of pregnancy, as the uterus is more susceptible to injury.

It is always important to consult a doctor for appropriate guidance based on the individual's health condition.

**Why does fetal movement increase after sexual intercourse?**
After sexual intercourse, the mother may feel a noticeable increase in fetal movement inside the uterus. This is due to the mild contractions that occur in the uterus duringOrgasm and women reaching orgasm.

**Can you have sex during pregnancy?**
Intercourse is considered safe throughout pregnancy in cases where the pregnancy is proceeding normally, unless the doctor advises otherwise. Having sex does not harm the fetus, which is protected by the strong wall of the uterus and surrounded by amniotic fluid. The cervix is ​​also closed with a thick mucous mass throughout pregnancy, which prevents germs from entering the fetus and ensures its protection. Therefore, penetration does not cause any problems for the fetus as is believed.

**Does intercourse during pregnancy lead to miscarriage?**
Intercourse during pregnancy does not cause miscarriage in cases where there are no problems. Miscarriage usually occurs as a result of the fetus not developing normally, and has nothing to do with having sex. It is important to note that orgasms are completely different from contractions that occur during labor. Some doctors may advise avoiding intercourse in the last weeks of pregnancy as a precaution, and a pregnant woman should see a doctor if she feels severe or persistent cramps after intercourse.

**Does pregnancy affect sexual desire?**
A pregnant woman experiences changes in sexual desire during pregnancy, as it may increase or decrease, which is normal. Sexual desire and intercourse are affected by the physiological and psychological changes that a woman goes through, and the most prominent of these changes are:

- Feeling increased vaginal lubrication as a result of hormonal changes.
- Increased sensation in the genitals due to blood flow, which may lead to increased sexual desire and pleasure in some women, while others may feel discomfort.
- Increased vaginal secretions that help lubricate the vagina.
- Breast size increases in preparation for breastfeeding, and some women may experience pain when touched.

Changes in sexual desire are not limited to physical aspects, but psychological factors also play a major role, such as:

- The mother's fear for the fetus and the effect of intercourse on it.
- Anxiety about the development of the fetus and potential health problems.
- Frustration and a negative view of changes in body shape during pregnancy.

**Changes in sexual desire during pregnancy**
The nature of a woman's sexual desire varies during pregnancy based on the changes she goes through. Here are the effects of different stages of pregnancy on sexual intercourse:

**First trimester**
A woman may feel a decrease in her desire to have sexual intercourse at the beginning of pregnancy, as many women suffer from fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and breast pain, in addition to mood swings and fear of miscarriage. These factors greatly affect the marital relationship during the first months of pregnancy.

**Second trimester**
Sexual desire usually increases in the second trimester of pregnancy. With the beginning of the fourth month, the previous symptoms disappear, and blood flow to the pelvic area and vaginal lubrication increase, which may improve a woman's sexual function during this period. Therefore, the fourth to sixth months are considered the best periods for sexual intercourse during pregnancy.

**Third trimester**
As pregnancy progresses and the size of the abdomen increases, a woman's sexual desire may decrease, as she feels easily exhausted and may experience difficulty moving and back pain. Therefore, sexual intercourse in the last three months may be uncomfortable.

**What are the best sexual positions during pregnancy?**
There are many safe sexual positions during pregnancy, and every woman should choose what suits her while taking care not to put pressure on the abdomen, especially in the advanced stages of pregnancy. For example, sexual intercourse while lying on the back may put pressure on the main blood vessels that feed the fetus.

Side or back positions can be chosen to avoid pressure on the abdomen, especially in the seventh, eighth and ninth months.

**Safe sexual positions for pregnant women**
There are many safe positions that can be comfortable for the pregnant woman and do not cause any harm to the fetus, including:

- **Side positions**: Suitable for pregnant women in the last months, as they do not put pressure on the abdomen and reduce the risk of premature birth.

- **The rider position**: This position, where the pregnant woman sits on her husband, is considered one of the safest positions, as she can control the sexual process and stop when she feels any pain, and it does not cause annoying pressure on her body or abdomen.

- **Lying on your back position**: It is considered safe during the first three months of pregnancy, before the belly grows. The husband should avoid putting all his weight on the pregnant woman, especially on her belly.

- **Sitting position**: This position is comfortable and safe for the pregnant woman, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy, where the husband sits on a chair and the pregnant woman sits on his lap, allowing them to interact comfortably.

**Sitting on all fours position**: This position is ideal for relieving pressure on the back and abdomen, where the pregnant woman takes a prostration position with the husband behind her.

There are some general tips that are recommended to follow during intercourse during pregnancy:
- Avoid lying on your back starting from the fourth month.
- Avoid lying on your stomach.
- Use vaginal lubricants in case of dryness.
- Refrain from having sex too deeply or forcefully.
- Avoid blowing air into the vagina, as this may increase the risk of air embolism.
- Refrain from having anal sex.

**Is bleeding after intercourse during pregnancy dangerous?**
Light bleeding may occur after intercourse during pregnancy, and it may appear in the form of spotting. This may not indicate a specific problem, as the cervix becomes sensitive and easily irritated during pregnancy, which may lead to minor bleeding. However, a doctor should be consulted if spotting occurs repeatedly or the following symptoms appear:
- Heavy bleeding.
- Feeling severe pain.
- Cramps that last for more than a few minutes after intercourse ends.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.

**Can intercourse induce labor?**
Intercourse during pregnancy is not considered a stimulant for premature labor in medical casesAye, even in the later stages of pregnancy. However, a woman may feel mild uterine contractions when reaching orgasm in the last trimester of pregnancy. These contractions are normal and do not require concern, and are not related to uterine contractions during labor. The doctor may recommend avoiding intercourse during pregnancy or in late pregnancy in cases already at risk of premature birth.