Q: Is it safe to have sex while I'm pregnant?
A: Thanks to pregnancy-related mood swings, one minute you may crave nothing more than a steamy sex session, and the next you may feel about as sexy as clay.
So, if you do want to have sex, go ahead. As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. If your uterus is in a typical position, there's no risk of hurting the baby during intercourse, because the amniotic fluid protects the baby from impact. Plus, because there's a mucus plug that blocks the cervix during pregnancy, there's virtually no chance of unintended contact between what's inside of you for 9 months and what may be inside of you for only 9 minutes.
That said, we know that the standard missionary position, with your partner on top, is likely the least comfortable as your belly gets larger. Here are some comfier positions to consider trying.
There are uncommon cases in which you shouldn't have sex, and your doc will guide you. He or she may recommend that you refrain from sex if you're at risk for preterm labor, you're leaking amniotic fluid, your cervix begins to open prematurely, or you have placenta previa.
And if you don't want to have sex, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. (Men, read that again.) Perfectly fine. We do recommend that you focus on finding other ways to physically, and thus emotionally, bond with your partner. (Men, read that again.) If the sex comes, fine. But if not, you've still made sure to connect on deeper levels and avoid feeling like the ol' spark is gone and your relationship is losing a bit of mojo. Here are some things your partner can do to keep love alive.
