Like many parents-to-be, you may have questions about the safety of sex and what's healthy. This article will provide you with the most commonly asked questions and answers about these concerns.

Sex during pregnancy: Safe or not?

Many women and their partners wonder about the safety of sex during pregnancy. However, there is no need to bother too much. Although it may become uncomfortable as the months pass, having sex during pregnancy causes no harm to mother or child as your partner's penis cannot penetrate beyond your vagina and cannot reach your baby.

Another concern about making love during pregnancy is the possibility of miscarriage. Although this question may worry many parents-to-be, sex is not generally a concern. Most miscarriages occur because a fetus has not developed normally. Additionally, it is normal if your sex drive changes during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages of pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable when their bodies get larger.

Best sexual positions for pregnant women

Although sex is considered safe during pregnancy, positions during sex need to be considered. You will probably need to find different positions so that both you and your partner can enjoy your love life while feeling comfortable. As your belly will become bigger after the first trimester, some positions may become more difficult. Here are some recommended sexual position to consider:

Side by side: Instead of lying on your back, you can lie next to your partner sideways, facing each other. This position will control thrust and keep the weight off your belly. 

Woman on top: This can be a satisfying position during late pregnancy, allowing you to control the pacing and stay comfortable. Make sure, however, that he doesn't enter you too deeply.

Edge of the bed: Try lying down face-up on the edge of the bed, with your legs spread and the soles of your feet on the floor. Your partner can stand or bend over you. This position, however, does allow him to thrust more deeply, so you'll have to tell him how gentle and slow you want him to be.

Spoon: The spoon position can be very cozy and intimate. In this case you should lie on your side curled in a C shape, with your partner facing your back and curled around you. He then enters your vagina from behind while both of you are lying on the side.

(Read also: Can sex really alleviate migraines?)

What to avoid during pregnancy sex

There are some sexual behaviors considered unsafe for pregnant women:

You can have oral sex but your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air could cause an embolism (the blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.

Anal sex can be performed unless you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids, as the bacteria could spread to your vagina. 

Avoid having sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease or HIV. If you become infected, the disease could be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.

Your love life is as important as the safety of you and your baby. If you have any concerns about sex during pregnancy, contact your health-care provider for more advice. Also, consult your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse such as pain, bleeding or discharge, or if you experience continued contractions after sex. (kes)

Popular

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Analysis: Indonesia denies normalization with Israel to enter OECD

Citroen to produce electric cars in Indonesia