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If you are expecting a baby for the first time, no doubt, it can be an overwhelming experience for you. You will doubt your every action and be careful about the choices you make. You will have a lot of questions too. Sometimes, you may ask yourself whether or not you can have sex with your partner during pregnancy.
Many pregnant women think that having sex during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage. A miscarriage is a pregnancy loss that happens within the 20 weeks of gestation, i.e., in the first trimester of the pregnancy. Around 15 to 20 per cent of all pregnancies end up in a miscarriage. And most women do not even realise that they have conceived and had a miscarriage. But sex is not the cause of it, not always.
Can Having Sex in Early Pregnancy Cause a Miscarriage?
Statistically, most miscarriages occur within the first 13 weeks of gestation. If a pregnant woman plans to have sex with her partner during this time, she may doubt that it could lead to a miscarriage. But that is not true. The chances of a miscarriage after having sex are rare. Miscarriages usually happen because of chromosomal abnormalities.
For women with uncomplicated pregnancies, it is safe to have sex in the first trimester of their pregnancies. In fact, doctors say that the entire duration of pregnancy is safe for sex. If your pregnancy is healthy, you can have sex with your partner. But you should go for positions that are safe and comfortable. While you have sex with your partner, the amniotic fluid in your uterus will protect your baby. So don’t worry – having sex with your partner won’t hurt your baby. But if you have any complications like placenta previa, you should avoid having sex.
How to Prevent Pregnancy Loss
While most miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, a few lifestyle changes can help a pregnant woman prevent the miscarriage. A woman must avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs during pregnancy. Limiting caffeine is also a good choice, as caffeine is not good for the health of the pregnant woman and her developing baby.
Having sex during pregnancy could be wonderful. If you have sex with your partner, it can lighten your mood, as when you have sex, happy hormones will be released in your body and thus you will free of stress. It will also give you a chance to move around and have some exercise. Not getting under the sheets is not the right choice during pregnancy. You may feel squeamish, but sex won’t endanger your pregnancy in any way.
Who Should Avoid Having Sex During Pregnancy?
Doctors say that women who have some specific medical issues, such as the ones mentioned below, must avoid having sex during pregnancy.
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Placenta Praevia: Placenta praevia is a condition where the placenta is in the low-lying position in the uterus. It can either cover the cervix partially or completely. It can be diagnosed via ultrasound scans. The most common symptom of the low-lying placenta is painless bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some other symptoms include the transverse or breech position of the baby. This condition can impede the growth of the baby, and women with this condition are usually suggested bed rest. The odds of this occurring are roughly 1 in 200.
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Cervical Insufficiency: In this condition, a woman’s cervix is short and starts dilating too early during pregnancy. The chances of a miscarriage or preterm labour are higher in this case. Women with this condition are advised to avoid engaging in strenuous activities, including sex. The odds of this occurring are 1 in 100 pregnancies.
When Should You Worry
If you have conditions like placenta praevia, without a doubt, you should talk to your doctor before you think about hitting the sack with your partner. Also, if you experience painful cramps or heavy bleeding or if the amniotic fluid starts leaking after you have sex, you must consult a doctor.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe to Have Sex in the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
It is completely safe to have sex in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as throughout the pregnancy as long as your pregnancy is healthy. Miscarriages mostly occur during the first trimester or the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. So once you move into the second trimester, the odds of miscarriage will decline, so you need not worry.
2. What Are the Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy?
As long as you feel comfortable, most sexual positions are okay. Even oral sex is safe as long as you don’t feel uncomfortable. Get intimate with your partner and have sex. Bond in new ways and find new positions – you will be happy!
Sex is a healthy activity, and having sex during pregnancy can keep you stress-free and happy. Having sex won’t lead to a miscarriage in any way, except if you have an underlying medical condition. Consult your doctor if you have any doubt and go ahead with what she suggests. Have a healthy pregnancy!
