Sex is something many couples feel they should avoid during pregnancy. Yet, it’s something that can help relieve pregnancy stress, and bring you closer. Here’s what you need to know.

Will sex during pregnancy hurt me/ the baby?

With a normal pregnancy i.e. a pregnancy with no specific complications, you can keep having sex right up until labour begins. This is because sex is not linked with miscarriage, or any harm to the baby or you. As for fears about infection rest assured that the mucus plug, which seals your cervix, is secure meaning an infection can’t get through during sex. If you’re concerned that your baby may get squished during sex, again don’t worry the muscles of the uterus and the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby will protect him/her from feeling what you’re up to in any way.

What complications should I be aware of before having sex?

Your midwife or doctor will advise you against having sex if you:

• Have had a succession of miscarriages, in which case it’s likely you’ll be advised to avoid sex for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• If you’re at risk of premature labour, in which case you may be told to avoid sex during the last trimester.
• If you have any type of bleeding, large discharge or a low-lying placenta (a condition known as placenta praevia), your doctor may also suggest you avoid sex.

What if my husband is wary of having sex when I am pregnant?

Many men feel awkward about having sex during pregnancy due to fears about hurting the baby or causing pain to you. Others have firm beliefs about women, sex and pregnancy that can stop them from initiating sex, if this is the case you need to discuss these fears and help to alleviate them.

Will the baby feel us having sex?

A baby will definitely squirm and move about a lot after sex but not because he/she felt you having sex (or knew you were having sex) but simply because your heart rate has speeded up and as a result so will his/hers.

What position is best during pregnancy?

If you’re a missionary position kind of girl bear in mind it won’t work during pregnancy as it will be uncomfortable lying on your back and your bump will get in the way. The good news is this means you get to be creative. Try side-by-side, spooning and rear entry positions, which work as they take the weight off the bump and allow for a more shallow and comfortable entry.

Will sex feel different during pregnancy?

Some women swear that sex during pregnancy is wonderful, but others say it’s painful and/or uncomfortable. Experiment and see what works for you especially in the third trimester when an orgasm may trigger a wave of Braxton Hicks contractions (where your womb tightens fairly strongly and then releases).

Will an orgasm hurt the baby?

During an orgasm you’ll experience minor contractions of the uterus (which occur even when you’re not pregnant) but this won’t hurt the baby or you, though as the pregnancy progresses you may feel them more strongly, and they may leave you feeling a little more crampy post-sex.

Can I have sex right through pregnancy?

You can have sex all the way through pregnancy as long as you have no complications. It may not be the long drawn out process you had before but studies show sex during pregnancy not only promotes intimacy and closeness, but also can help a pregnant woman to feel good about her body.

Can sex help bring on labour?

The jury is still out on whether sex works or not as a labour inducing tool. However, it’s thought to work in one of three ways: firstly orgasm is thought to help kick the uterus into action; secondly, sex may trigger the release of oxytocin, (the hormone which causes contractions), and thirdly, semen contains a high concentration of a hormone like substance - prostaglandins, which may help the neck of the womb to dilate.

Is it safe to have sex post 37 weeks?

Sex near to your estimated due date is safe as long as you haven’t had a show and your waters haven’t broken. Once this happens, your cervix is open and having sex may increase the risk of infection so it’s best to avoid it.

What else do I need to know about sex during and post pregnancy?

• Once the baby is born, it’s best that you wait until after your postpartum check-up to have sex.
• Typically, it takes at least 6 weeks after delivery before you’ll feel physically comfortable and ready to have sex (emotionally it may take longer).
• Your midwife will be able to advise you on when you can have sex again depending on the kind of labour you have had.
• Before you start having sex, think about what contraception you want to use. Contrary to popular myth, breastfeeding won’t stop you getting pregnant.