Question 10, Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?

It might be well to first discuss the physiology of the sexual response in women.  There would be no problems to mother or fetus related to sexual arousal. Blood flow to the pelvic organs is increased and some lubricating fluids are produced neither of which would be harmful.

During female orgasm, there is some vaginal muscle contractions but aside from an increased pelvic organ blood 'congestion' no significant changes occur to the uterus including blood flow to the placenta. Some women describe uterine contractions with intercourse but this is not a result of female orgasm but the effects of the semen.  Semen has a compound in it named a prostaglandin.  In fact that is where this chemical got its name.  It was found some time ago that fluid from the prostate gland would cause the smooth muscle of the uterus to contract.  It is true that a woman who is threatening pre-term labor or who has an advanced cervical dilatation may be 'pushed' into labor by the prostaglandin in semen but in normal situations it is not a problem.  In fact, sometimes, we might encourage a woman near term to have sexual intercourse as the semen may help soften, thin and dilate the cervix.

There may be an increased risk of infection as bacteria are introduced into the vagina by the mechanics of penile penetration but again, in normal circumstances this is not a concern.  If the male has a sexual transmissible infection this could certainly be a problem.

One last comment about the mechanics of intercourse.  Some have expressed a concern about the potential of the erect penis causing some mechanical harm to the fetal head.  This is impossible and not a concern at all.

There are some benefits of sexual intimacy during pregnancy.  Having an orgasm is almost always a stress relieving and relaxing event.  The anxiety of pregnancy can be benefited by this.  It often allows a better nights sleep as well. Since one of the difficulties during pregnancy for a woman is getting a good nights sleep this may be helpful.  A woman's sense of self image and beauty is often challenged with the physical changes that accompany pregnancy.  A husband who reassures his wife that he finds her beautiful and attractive can also be very important and what better way to express this then by letting her know he would like to be with her physically.

Finally, a woman's interest in physical intimacy is quite variable from one woman to the next and even from one pregnancy to another.  The hormonal changes so pronounced during gestation are hard to predict and are varied.  It behooves a caring partner to be aware of these complicated emotions and try and discern how his wife is responding to these hormonal changes.  Act accordingly men.  Women, you need to be aware that most men find the physical changes that are occurring to your body arousing, stimulating and attractive.  Enjoy these changes, enjoy your pregnancy and be assured it is healthy and beneficial in almost all circumstances to enjoy physical intimacy.