If you have been wondering when the right time is to have sex, or whether you need to avoid having sex altogether, Dr. Jireh Serfontein from My Sexual Health will advise you. He will also shed some light on which positions you and your partner should try that will not harm the baby.
How safe is sex during pregnancy
Too many myths have been said about having sex when pregnant. Dr. Jireh says our feel good hormones during sex can help with all the back pains you might be experiencing.
“A lot of people are worried that sex during pregnancy can harm the baby, that is not true. Having sex releases endorphins (our feel good hormones) which can help with your mood as well as the lower back pain often associated with pregnancy,” says Dr. Jireh.
“You can have sex in all three trimesters of pregnancy and it is safe to continue to have sex up till your water breaks. Having an orgasm might cause contractions of the uterus but this won't result in preterm labor or a miscarriage.”
There are some instances where sex during pregnancy is not advised:
- Placenta previa
- Threatened miscarriage or abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Preterm labor
- Cervical insufficiency
- After your water broke
What positions should couples try
If you have been worried on how you will enjoy sex when you are on your trimester Dr. Jireh says there are different positions you can try and still be comfortable.
“During the first trimester, while the stomach is still small the normal missionary position can still be comfortable but as the stomach grows one will need to adapt to different positions. One can try the "edge-of-the couch" missionary, where the women lies on the edge of the bed or couch on her back with her partner resting on his knees on the floor, then there will be no pressure on the stomach. Doggy style, women on top or lying on the side are also options where the stomach won't be in the way,” says Dr. JIreh.
