How Should Sexuality Be During Pregnancy?
During a normal pregnancy, sexual intercourse is safe for both mother and baby and poses no risks. Physiologically, engaging in intercourse during pregnancy does not negatively impact sexual life, nor does continuing sexual intercourse negatively impact pregnancy itself. On the contrary, a sense of closeness is important for strengthening a couple's relationship.
Does Sex During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Sex during pregnancy, if the pregnancy is uneventful and no complications develop, does not harm the baby or the pregnancy process. The belief that harming the baby stems from inadequate information and misconceptions held by couples. The vagina and the uterus are distinct organs. While the baby continues its development in the comfortable and protected environment of the uterus and amniotic fluid, intercourse occurs in the vagina.
Does Sexual Life During Pregnancy Harm the Mother's Health?
In healthy pregnant women, having intercourse during pregnancy doesn't harm the mother's health. On the contrary, maintaining a healthy sexual life and maintaining a sense of closeness between the couple will improve the mental well-being of both parents.
In Which Situations Should Sexual Intercourse Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
- It may be necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse during pregnancy, such as if you experience bleeding, have a low-lying placenta, or if your cervix is dilated. Your doctor will inform you if such a risk exists during your pregnancy.
- In addition, if the amniotic fluid breaks, sexual intercourse should be avoided and the woman should be immediately admitted to the hospital to prevent any infection.
- Additionally, if there's a problem with the cervix, such as dilation, sexual intercourse can cause premature labor or miscarriage. Multiple pregnancies, a history of premature birth, or being in the final stages of pregnancy also require abstinence.
- In cases where sexual intercourse is painful or the pregnant woman is not happy, sexual intercourse should be interrupted.
Getting checked by a doctor during pregnancy is crucial. It's crucial for mothers to maintain regular checkups with their doctor throughout pregnancy, both for their own health and the health of their babies.
How is Sexual Life Affected During the Early Stage of Pregnancy?
The first trimester, the initial stages of pregnancy, is a time when a woman's desire for sexual intercourse may decrease during the first months of pregnancy. The expectant mother's thoughts and concerns about caring for and protecting her baby, being a good mother, and continuing to be a good wife and, if employed, a good businesswoman may increase during this period.
When considering sexual intercourse in the first weeks of pregnancy, a woman's sexual desire may decrease due to factors such as physical fatigue, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and breast tenderness. This process is undoubtedly influenced by whether the baby was planned or not, and the partner's attitude toward the pregnancy and the pregnant partner.
What to Expect in Your Sexual Life During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Between the third and sixth months of pregnancy, pregnancy is embraced, and general fatigue and sleepiness have significantly decreased or disappeared. In fact, this period is considered the time when a pregnant woman feels her best, both physically and mentally. In parallel, women are expected to experience an increase in sexual desire, arousal, and the ability to orgasm. Physically, blood flow to the genitals increases, which has a positive effect on arousal and orgasm. Some women report experiencing their strongest orgasms during pregnancy. Of course, sexual pleasure during this period is only possible for women who have overcome their misconceptions, received accurate information about intercourse during pregnancy, had a positive outlook on sexuality beforehand, and are willing to engage in sexual activity.
How is Sexual Life Affected in the Late Stages of Pregnancy?
During this period, sexual desire may decrease again. A woman may experience physical difficulties, feel tired, have concerns about childbirth, and concerns about the upcoming baby may take precedence, and sexual intercourse may be postponed. However, considering that even spending time alone in the postpartum period can be difficult for couples, it's clear that couples should prioritize sexual intimacy during this period.
Hormonal fluctuations and psychological factors during pregnancy can directly affect sexual desire. To learn more about the lack of desire experienced during this period, you may find our article "What is Low Sexual Desire in Women?" helpful.
When Can Sexual Intercourse Be Prohibited During Pregnancy?
In high-risk pregnancies, your obstetrician will provide you with the necessary advice. In normal pregnancies, sexual intercourse should be continued at different stages of pregnancy, in ways that vary according to the woman's needs and circumstances.
Until recently, sexual intercourse was not recommended for pregnant women during the last month due to the growing belly and physical challenges. In recent years, gynecologists have come to the conclusion that sexual intercourse and intercourse can continue healthily until birth.
How Should Partner Support Be During Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy?
- Partner support is crucial throughout pregnancy. Partners should consider the physical and emotional needs of the pregnant woman.
- Sexual desires may change during pregnancy, and this is natural. It's crucial to pay attention to what a pregnant woman wants and help her feel comfortable.
- Pregnancy can cause physical fatigue, hormonal fluctuations, and emotional changes. Therefore, it's important to support a pregnant woman by prioritizing her physical and emotional needs.
- Establishing open and sincere communication during sexual intercourse during pregnancy and trying to understand the partner's concerns, expectations and needs will ensure that the relationship continues in a healthier and better way.
What Positions Are Suitable During Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy (Gestation)?
In fact, the couple's preference for sexual intercourse positions during pregnancy is always important. However, during intercourse, it's best to avoid applying pressure to the expectant mother's abdomen and to avoid the father-to-be's weight being placed on her. In short, woman-on-top or side-on positions are recommended for sexual positions during pregnancy.
Is Men's Sexual Life Affected by Pregnancy?
For the father-to-be, there are many changes involved, including adjusting to the role of a fish, the responsibilities of fatherhood, and the feelings of alienation he may experience as his baby grows in the womb. The partner who was once a lover is now a mother-lover, and the breasts, once objects of pleasure for him, are now transformed into nurturers for the baby. Concerns about harming his partner and baby can also lead men to avoid sexual intercourse.
How Can Couples Cope with Sexual Problems During Pregnancy?
During this time, it's crucial for couples to talk openly and obtain accurate information. Given that we live in a society where discussing sexuality is considered shameful, some couples may avoid discussing it during this time.
Couples who can discuss sexuality with each other and express their mutual desires can navigate this period much more healthily. Without discussing sexuality and being informed about the changes that can occur during pregnancy, marital problems will compound sexual problems, leading to the couple drifting apart just when they need each other most.
Sometimes, a man or woman may refuse sexual intercourse due to a decrease in sexual desire. This may be perceived as unwanted by the partner, but it is actually unwanted sex, and sometimes it is intercourse. During pregnancy, hugging and touching are very important for both men and women.
Sometimes, partners have sexual desires, but the man may not express his desire to the woman out of fear of discomfort, while the woman may avoid her partner, fearing that her changing body will prevent her from being seen as an object of sexual desire. Attempting to understand each other through appropriate communication and, when necessary, seeking counseling from a qualified healthcare professional will resolve these issues.
How can sexual intercourse be maintained during pregnancy if sexual intercourse must be avoided for medical reasons?
The perception of sexuality as simply "intercourse" limits sexuality at every stage of a relationship, especially during pregnancy. In our country, the lack of sexual education and therefore sexual knowledge reinforces the myth that intercourse is the only way to achieve sexuality. Therefore, if there is a medical reason for prohibiting intercourse during pregnancy, sexuality is avoided entirely. However, the gynecologist monitoring your pregnancy may only prohibit intercourse for medical reasons. Sexual intercourse without intercourse can continue throughout pregnancy, including touching, hugging, kissing, and mutual masturbation.
For more details, you can read the "How to Become Sexual After Childbirth" page. Here you'll find practical information and suggestions about postpartum sexuality.
