Sexual activity during pregnancy

Overview of sexual activity while expecting a child

Most women can continue to engage in sexual activity during pregnancy, including sexual intercourse.[1] Most research suggests that during pregnancy both sexual desire and frequency of sexual relations decrease.[2][3] In context of this overall decrease in desire, some studies indicate a second-trimester increase, preceding a decrease during the third trimester.[4][5]

Sex during pregnancy is a low-risk behavior except when the healthcare provider advises that sexual intercourse be avoided for particular medical reasons.[1] For a healthy pregnant woman, there is a variety of safe ways to have sex during pregnancy.[1]

## Desire and frequency

[edit]

Most research suggests that, during pregnancy, sexual desire and frequency of sexual relations decrease.[2][3] In context of this overall decrease in desire, some studies indicate a second-trimester increase, preceding a decrease.[4] However, these decreases are not universal: a significant number of women report greater sexual satisfaction throughout their pregnancies.[6]

## Safety

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Sex during pregnancy is a low-risk behaviour except when the physician advises that sexual intercourse be avoided, because it may, in some pregnancies, lead to serious pregnancy complications or health issues such as a high-risk for premature labour or a ruptured uterus.[citation needed] Such a decision may be based upon a history of difficulties in a previous childbirth. However, it has been observed that evidence in this area is lacking and physicians' advice is more likely to be based on supposition than scientific knowledge.[7]

### Fetus protected by amniotic fluid

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During pregnancy, the fetus is protected from sexual thrusting and unwanted semen by the amniotic fluid in the womb and by the cervical mucus plug in the woman's cervix, which forms shortly after conception.[8][9]

## Benefits

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### Psychological usefulness

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Sex positions for pregnant women

Some studies in the 1980s and 1990s contend that it is useful for pregnant women to continue to be sexually active, specifically noting that overall sexual satisfaction was correlated with feeling happy about being pregnant, feeling more attractive in late pregnancy than before pregnancy, and experiencing orgasm.[4] Sexual activity has also been suggested as a way to prepare for induced labor; some believe the natural prostaglandin content of seminal liquid can favor the maturation process of the cervix making it more flexible, allowing for easier and faster dilation and effacement of the cervix. However, the efficacy of using sexual intercourse as an induction agent "remains uncertain".[10]

### Prevention of pre-eclampsia

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There is tentative evidence for exposure to partner's semen as prevention for pre-eclampsia, largely due to the absorption of several immune modulating factors present in seminal fluid.[11][12]

## After pregnancy

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Main article: Sex after pregnancy

Sexual intercourse after giving birth can begin when the couple are both ready. However most American couples wait six weeks.[13] Ovulation and thus pregnancy can begin prior to a return to regular menses.

## See also

[edit]

* Pregnancy fetishism

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, Spong CY, Dashe JS, Hoffman BL, Casey BM, Sheffield JS, eds. (2014). "Chapter 9: Prenatal Care". Williams obstetrics (24th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
2. ^ a b M.P. Bermudez; A.I. Sanchez; G. Buela-Casal (2001). "Influence of the Gestation Period on Sexual Desire". Psychology in Spain. 5 (1): 14–16.14-16&rft.date=2001&rft.au=M.P.+Bermudez&rft.au=A.I.+Sanchez&rft.au=G.+Buela-Casal&rft_id=http://www.psychologyinspain.com/content/full/2001/2.htm&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
3. ^ a b Wing Yee Fok; Louis Yik-Si Chan; Pong Mo Yuen (October 2005). "Sexual behavior and activity in Chinese pregnant women". Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 84 (10): 934–938\. doi:10.1111/j.0001-6349.2005.00743.x. PMID 16167907. S2CID 23075166.934-938&rft.date=2005-10&rft_id=https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:23075166#id-name=S2CID&rft_id=info:pmid/16167907&rft_id=info:doi/10.1111/j.0001-6349.2005.00743.x&rft.au=Wing+Yee+Fok&rft.au=Louis+Yik-Si+Chan&rft.au=Pong+Mo+Yuen&rft_id=https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.0001-6349.2005.00743.x&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
4. ^ a b c Reamy K; White SE; Daniell WC; Le Vine ES (June 1982). "Sexuality and pregnancy. A prospective study". J Reprod Med. 27 (6): 321–7\. PMID 7120209.321-7&rft.date=1982-06&rft_id=info:pmid/7120209&rft.au=Reamy+K&rft.au=White+SE&rft.au=Daniell+WC&rft.au=Le+Vine+ES&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
5. ^ Malarewicz A, Szymkiewicz J, Rogala J (September 2006). "[Sexuality of pregnant women]". Ginekologia Polska (in Polish). 77 (9): 733–739\. PMID 17219804.733-739&rft.date=2006-09&rft_id=info:pmid/17219804&rft.aulast=Malarewicz&rft.aufirst=A&rft.au=Szymkiewicz,+J&rft.au=Rogala,+J&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
6. ^ Khamis MA; Mustafa MF; Mohamed SN; Toson MM (2007). "Influence of gestational period on sexual behavior". J Egypt Public Health Assoc. 82 (1–2): 65–90\. PMID 18217325.1–2&rft.pages=65-90&rft.date=2007&rft_id=info:pmid/18217325&rft.au=Khamis+MA&rft.au=Mustafa+MF&rft.au=Mohamed+SN&rft.au=Toson+MM&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
7. ^ Moscrop A (2012). "Can sex during pregnancy cause a miscarriage? A concise history of not knowing". British Journal of General Practice. 62 (597): e308–10. doi:10.3399/bjgp12X636164. PMC 3310038. PMID 22520919.
8. ^ Sex During Pregnancy - March of Dimes
9. ^ "Superfetation: Pregnant while already pregnant".
10. ^ Methods for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor - May 15, 2003 - American Family Physician
11. ^ Sarah Robertson. "Research Goals --> Role of seminal fluid signalling in the female reproductive tract". Archived from the original on 2012-03-29.
12. ^ Sarah A. Robertson; John J. Bromfield; Kelton P. Tremellen (2003). "Seminal 'priming' for protection from pre-eclampsia—a unifying hypothesis". Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 59 (2): 253–265\. doi:10.1016/S0165-0378(03)00052-4. PMID 12896827.253-265&rft.date=2003&rft_id=info:doi/10.1016/S0165-0378(03)00052-4&rft_id=info:pmid/12896827&rft.au=Sarah+A.+Robertson&rft.au=John+J.+Bromfield&rft.au=Kelton+P.+Tremellen&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Sexual+activity+during+pregnancy" class="Z3988">
13. ^ "Pregnancy video". Channel 4. 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-22.

## External links

[edit]

* Sex during Pregnancy[usurped]

* v
* t
* e

Outline of human sexuality

Physiology
and biology|

* Clitoral erection
* Erogenous zones
* Insemination
* Intersex
* Libido
* Nocturnal emission
* Orgasm
* Female and male ejaculation
* Pelvic thrust
* Penile erection
* Pre-ejaculate
* Pregnancy
* Sexual arousal
* Sexual response cycle
* Sexual stimulation
* Vaginal lubrication

Health and
education|

* Birth control
* Condom
* Male contraceptive
* Masters and Johnson
* Obesity and sexuality
* Reproductive medicine
* Andrology
* Gynaecology
* Urology
* Safe sex
* Sex education
* Sex therapy (PLISSIT model)
* Sexology
* Sexual dysfunction
* Erectile dysfunction
* Hypersexuality
* Hyposexuality
* Sexual medicine
* Sexual surrogate
* Sexually transmitted infection

Identity and diversity|

* Gender binary
* Gender identity
* Men who have sex with men
* Sexual identity
* Sexual orientation
* Women who have sex with women

Law|

* Age of consent
* Criminal transmission of HIV
* Child sexual abuse
* Incest
* Indecent exposure
* Obscenity
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* Rape
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* Sexual harassment
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History|

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* Counterculture of the 1960s
* Feminist sex wars
* Golden Age of Porn
* History of erotic depictions
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Relationships
and society|

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* Extramarital sex
* Family planning
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* Marriage
* Modesty
* Orgasm gap
* Polyamory
* Premarital sex
* Promiscuity
* Romance
* Sex-positive movement
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* Sexual attraction
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* Sexual ethics
* Sexual objectification
* Sexual repression
* Sexual slang
* Split attraction model

By country|

* Ancient Rome
* China
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* United States

Sexual activities|

* Conventional sex
* Anal sex
* Bareback
* BDSM
* Child sex
* Creampie
* Edging
* Erotic sexual denial
* Facial
* Fetishism
* Fisting
* Foot fetishism
* Footjob
* Forced orgasm
* Frot
* Gang bang
* Group sex
* Mammary intercourse
* Manual sex
* Anal fingering
* Fingering
* Handjob
* Masturbation
* Mechanics of sex
* Nipple stimulation
* Non-penetrative sex
* Oral sex
* 69
* Anilingus
* Cunnilingus
* Fellatio
* Irrumatio
* Paraphilia
* Pompoir
* Quickie
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* Sex in space
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* Sexual fantasy
* Sexual fetishism
* Sexual intercourse
* Foreplay
* Sexual penetration
* Sumata
* Swinging
* Tribadism
* Urethral intercourse
* Urolagnia
* Virtual sex
* Cybersex
* Erotic talk
* Wet T-shirt contest

Sex industry|

* Adult video games
* Erotica
* Pornography
* Film actor
* Prostitution
* Sacred
* Survival sex
* Red-light district
* Sex museum
* Sex shop
* Sex tourism
* Child
* Female
* Sex worker
* Sex toy
* Doll
* Strip club
* Webcam model

Religion and
sexuality|

* Buddhism and Hinduism
* Tantric sex
* Christianity and sexual orientation
* Christian demonology
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* Buddhist monasticism
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* Daoism
* Islam
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* LGBTQ people
* LGBTQ-affirming religions
* Mormonism
* Sacred prostitution
* Ancient Greece
* Thelema
* Sex magic

* Human sexuality portal

* v
* t
* e

Pregnancy and childbirth

Planning|

* Birth control
* Natural family planning
* Male contraceptive
* Pre-conception counseling

Conception|

* Assisted reproductive technology
* artificial insemination
* fertility fraud
* fertility medication
* in vitro fertilisation
* partner-assisted reproduction
* Fertility awareness
* Unintended pregnancy

Testing|

* 3D ultrasound
* Obstetric ultrasonography
* Pregnancy test
* home testing
* Prenatal testing
* Medical imaging

Types|

* Cervical
* Cryptic
* Ectopic
* Abdominal
* Heterotopic
* Molar
* Ovarian
* Postterm
* Unintended
* Interstitial
* Rudimentary horn

Childbirth|

| Preparation|

* Bradley method
* Lamaze

|

Roles|

* Mother
* Newborn
* Preterm birth
* Postterm pregnancy
* Doula
* Birth attendant
* Men's roles
* Midwife
* Auxiliary nurse midwife
* Obstetrician
* Perinatal nurse
* Traditional birth attendant

Delivery|

* Pelvimetry / Bishop score
* cervical dilation
* cervical effacement
* position
* Bloody show
* Uterine contraction
* Vaginal delivery
* Presentation
* breech
* cephalic
* shoulder
* Rupture of membranes
* Caesarean
* Childbirth positions
* Home birth
* Labor induction
* Multiple birth
* Natural childbirth
* Silent birth
* Unassisted childbirth
* Water birth
* Placental expulsion

Prenatal|

| Anatomy|

* Amniotic fluid
* Amniotic sac
* Endometrium
* Placenta

|

Development|

* Embryo
* Fetus
* Fundal height
* Gestational age
* Maternal physiological changes
* Postpartum physiological changes

Care|

* Brain health and pollution
* Nutrition
* environmental toxicants
* in pregnancy
* prenatal
* Prenatal depression
* Immunization
* Concomitant conditions
* Anemia
* Hypertension
* Hypercoagulability
* Substance use
* Smoking
* Alcohol
* Cannabis
* Opioids
* Endocrine diseases
* Diabetes
* Thyroid disease
* Liver diseases
* Acute fatty liver
* Intrahepatic cholestasis
* Infections
* HIV
* COVID-19
* Hepatitis C
* Malaria
* Skin diseases
* Lupus
* Pruritic folliculitis
* Dermatoses
* Others
* Drugs
* Vaginal flora
* Bleeding
* Motor vehicle emissions
* Pre-existing disease
* Sleep

Procedures|

* Amniocentesis
* Cardiotocography
* Chorionic villus sampling
* Nonstress test
* Abortion

Postpartum|

| Maternal|

* Lochia
* Postpartum care
* Postpartum depression
* Postpartum confinement
* Sex after pregnancy
* Psychiatric disorders of childbirth
* Postpartum physiological changes

|

Roles|

* Doula
* Health visitor
* Lactation consultant
* Monthly nurse
* Confinement nanny

Infant|

* Adaptation to extrauterine life
* Apgar score
* Child care
* Congenital disorders

Obstetric history|

* Gravidity and parity

Related|

* Parental brain

* v
* t
* e

Pathology of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium

Pregnancy|

| Pregnancy with
abortive outcome|

* Abortion
* Ectopic pregnancy
* Abdominal
* Cervical
* Heterotopic
* Interstitial
* Ovarian
* Rudimentary horn
* Embryo loss
* Fetal resorption
* Molar pregnancy
* Miscarriage
* Stillbirth

|

Edema, proteinuria, and
hypertensive disorders|

* Gestational hypertension
* Pre-eclampsia
* HELLP syndrome
* Eclampsia

Other, predominantly
related to pregnancy|

| Digestive system|

* Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
* Gestational diabetes
* Hepatitis E
* Hyperemesis gravidarum
* Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

|

Integumentary system /
dermatoses of pregnancy|

* Gestational pemphigoid
* Impetigo herpetiformis
* Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
* Linea nigra
* Prurigo gestationis
* Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy
* Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP)
* Stretch marks

Nervous system|

* Chorea gravidarum

Blood|

* Gestational thrombocytopenia
* Pregnancy-induced hypercoagulability

Maternal care related to the
fetus and amniotic cavity|

* amniotic fluid
* Oligohydramnios
* Polyhydramnios
* Braxton Hicks contractions
* chorion / amnion
* Chorioamnionitis
* Chorionic hematoma
* Constriction ring syndrome
* Monoamniotic twins
* Prelabor rupture of membranes
* Obstetrical bleeding
* Antepartum
* placenta
* Circumvallate placenta
* Monochorionic twins
* Placenta accreta
* Placenta praevia
* Placental abruption
* Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Labor|

* Amniotic fluid embolism
* Cephalopelvic disproportion
* Obstructed labour
* Shoulder dystocia
* Fetal distress
* Locked twins
* Nuchal cord
* Obstetrical bleeding
* Postpartum
* Pain management during childbirth
* placenta
* Placenta accreta
* Preterm birth
* Postmature birth
* Umbilical cord prolapse
* Uterine inversion
* Uterine rupture
* Vasa praevia
* Uterine atony

Puerperal|

* Breastfeeding difficulties
* Low milk supply
* Cracked nipples
* Breast engorgement
* Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder
* Pubic symphysis diastasis
* Postpartum bleeding
* Peripartum cardiomyopathy
* Postpartum depression
* Postpartum infections
* Postpartum psychosis
* Postpartum thyroiditis
* Puerperal mastitis

Other|

* Concomitant conditions
* Diabetes mellitus
* Systemic lupus erythematosus
* Thyroid disorders
* Maternal death
* Sexual activity during pregnancy

* Category

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