Does having sex while pregnant harm the baby and other pregnancy sex questions, answered!

"Is sex during the first 3 months of pregnancy safe for baby?" "Are there consequences of not having sex during pregnancy?"

At some point in your pregnancy, you have already asked these questions. We compiled other inquiries you are embarrassed to ask your doctor, which are answered here.

Sex is usually a taboo topic here in the country, but not for mature adults, especially married couples. Besides, it's what got us our precious babies in the first place, to put it bluntly. But what about sex during pregnancy? You've got to admit, asking your OB-Gynecologist about sex questions when you are already pregnant makes you feel a little (or a lot) dyahe.

However, these questions are as valid as you are just after what will keep your pregnancy and your baby safe. And you might be surprised that your OB-GYN is actually game to answer pregnancy-related questions about sex. Remember, it's part of their job to educate you about safe sex and pregnancy, so they're not going to judge.

But if you are still feeling queasy and you can not say the three-letter word without blushing, we have got you covered. Here are the answers to some of the pregnancy sex questions you are embarrassed to ask your doctor.

Hot topic: pregnancy sex questions you are embarrassed to ask your OB

• Is sex during pregnancy safe or not?

Yup, you are still a sexual woman even if you are pregnant. So it is totally normal to think of sex even if you already bearing a child inside your womb.

Unless your doctor advises you to refrain from it because of some pregnancy complications, then YES, it is perfectly safe. Your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the strong muscle in your uterus, so sexual activity won't harm him.

According to a study, 80 percent of men worry they are hurting the baby if they have sexual intercourse with their pregnant wife. But thanks to your baby's amniotic sac and your uterus' strong muscles, they are safely protected in your womb, even during intercourse.

Moreover, the entrance to your cervix is shielded by a mucus plug, which guards against infection. Though there are certain positions that are favorable during certain trimesters, it's safe to have sex even until your water breaks.

If your partner is still uncomfortable doing it while you are pregnant, bring him with you to your next OB appointment so they can hear an expert’s reassurance that their penis is not touching the baby.

• Sex during pregnancy - how does the baby feel inside the womb?

It is been proven that having sex during pregnancy does not harm your baby, but have you ever wondered how your baby responds to this activity in the womb?

There are many couples or soon-to-be parents that are worried to have sex during pregnancy. It is because they are afraid of the possible contact of the penis with the child. To give you some assurance, no, the baby is completely safe during sex.

Sex and orgasms can cause a baby to become either super quiet or encourage movement. If it feels like your baby has fallen asleep, it is most likely because of the "rhythmic movement" of your belly during sexual activity. For other moms-to-be, their babies start kicking up a storm, inspired by the movement outside the womb to kick or move around.

• Where does sperm go during pregnancy?

Is sperm good for the baby during pregnancy? Where do sperm cells go? You can exhale with relief if that describes how you are currently feeling.

According to Healthline, semen and sperm deposited in the vagina will simply be discharged from the body through the vaginal opening.

So again, the semen deposited in the vagina during intercourse will not harm the baby. And it is also very unlikely for it to impregnate the woman again as the superfetation is highly unlikely in humans and the process of ovulation is essentially shut down during pregnancy due to the release of certain hormones.

• Effects of sex during pregnancy?

If your OB gives you the go signal and you don't have any pregnancy complications, then you can definitely enjoy sexual intercourse with your partner. The increased blood flow in your body could mean more orgasms for you.

According to Medical News Today, in some ways, it can even benefit the pregnant mom. Sex burns calories and can keep you fit. It also releases antibodies that boost your immune system. I

If you are feeling stressed and anxious about the pregnancy, having an orgasm can help as it releases endorphins that relax both you and your baby. Most of all, it helps you bond with your partner.

What are the disadvantages of sex during pregnancy? Well, if not done right and if there are complications, then there can be some setbacks.

First, it may cause fatigue on the woman's part if she is not supposed to be engaging in strenuous physical activity. Moreover, breast stimulation, female orgasms, and certain hormones in semen called prostaglandins can cause uterine contractions. But will this induce labor? We'll tackle this question later.

• When is the best time to have sex during pregnancy?

According to Holly Richmond, a clinical sex therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist, when it comes to pregnancy sex, all sex is good sex as long as it is pleasurable and consensual.

However, she believes that the second trimester is actually the best time to have sex during pregnancy, as your bout with morning sickness is over and your sex drive is really high. Sexual intercourse becomes a little bit trickier during the third trimester as your growing belly may interfere with certain positions.

• Is it normal to have wet dreams while pregnant?

Yes. There are a lot of women who experience "wet dreams" during their pregnancy.

Do you feel like you are always thinking about sex, even in your dreams? As mentioned earlier, the increase in hormones causes a woman's libido or sex drive to increase during pregnancy.

“Another bonus due to higher estrogen levels and increased blood flow,” said Richmond. “I had several of my clients report it with a bit of concern, then were delighted when I told them it’s normal and will most likely subside after they give birth, so enjoy it!”

Moreover, it is also common to feel extra wet, as the increased secretion and lubrication occur to fight bacteria and infection that may harm your pregnancy.

• Is masturbation safe during pregnancy?

According to experts, masturbation is safe in low-risk pregnancies and is a perfectly safe way to relieve stress and manage an elevated libido. However, if you are not sure, then you can always defer to your OB-GYN's advice.

•  Is oral sex safe during pregnancy?

According to Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, oral sex during pregnancy is safe for the mother and baby, as long as it is done with caution.

For starters, don't let your partner blow air into your vagina as it can cause a complication in your pregnancy.

"The concern is that with the blood vessels in the vagina being dilated, air could be blown into the vessels and cause an air embolism," said Dr. Minken.

The air could block a blood vessel, which can have an impact on your cardiovascular system, and also land in the placenta and impact fetal development.

Moreover, make sure that your partner is free from any sexually transmitted infections that can affect your pregnancy. The most dangerous is the herpes simplex virus, which can be passed onto a fetus during birth and may cause complications like neurological damage, brain inflammation, and death.

So if you're going to do it, be very careful about it.

• Best sex positions while pregnant

To stay on the safe side, stick to positions that keep the pressure and weight off your belly. Also, make sure that your back is well-supported and that you're comfortable. Read this for a list of positions to try when you're pregnant.

• Can sex during pregnancy induce labor?

Yes and no.

According to Healthline, oxytocin, the love hormone released during orgasm, and uterine contractions can induce labor. However, having sex will not cause labor to begin until your body is ready for delivery.

This is why some doctors advise their patients with low-risk pregnancies to have sexual intercourse in the weeks leading up to their due date to induce labor but to no avail. Why? Because if your body is not ready to labor, nothing you do will necessarily get it going.

• When to stop sex during pregnancy?

Sex during pregnancy can be amazing, as long as it does not put you and your baby's safety at risk. So if you are feeling any pain after sex, then, by all means, stop.

Also, consult your doctor right away if, after sexual intercourse, you experience vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath, and painful cramps.

• When should you talk to your healthcare provider?

Your doctor could advise avoiding performing sexual activities if issues with your pregnancy are anticipated or discovered. Consult a medical professional if you have:

• You already had a miscarriage history or a high chance of miscarriage
• If previously you have given birth before 37 weeks or also called pre-term labor. You should also call immediately if pre-term labor is likely to occur.
• You are experiencing bleeding, discharge, or pain from the vagina.
• There is a leak in the amniotic fluid or the fluid that surrounds your baby
• If the placenta hangs so low that it covers the opening of the uterus

Each woman's experience with sex during pregnancy is different. Some report it to be pleasurable, while others find it less satisfying, as pelvic engorgement due to increased blood flow can cause some discomfort.

However, there are certain cases where couples have to abstain from sex altogether, upon the advice of their doctor. Do not hesitate to talk to your OB-gynecologist about your concerns and plans about sex.

Additional information from Angerica Villanueva

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.