Teton Obgyn Idaho Falls
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Physicians
    • What Our Patients Say
  • Contact
  • Our Services & Treatments
    • Obstetrics
    • Office Gynecology
    • Advanced Gyn Surgery
  • FAQs
    • Pregnancy FAQ
    • Gynecology FAQ
    • Surgery FAQ
  • Blog
  • Patient Resources
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Physicians
    • What Our Patients Say
  • Contact
  • Our Services & Treatments
    • Obstetrics
    • Office Gynecology
    • Advanced Gyn Surgery
  • FAQs
    • Pregnancy FAQ
    • Gynecology FAQ
    • Surgery FAQ
  • Blog
  • Patient Resources

Everything you always wanted to know about pregnancy but were too embarrassed to ask part 2:  Sex and the Baby

1/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Everyone knows (hopefully) that sex is critical in making a baby, but I often get questions about how sexual function is affected by pregnancy.  So, here it is:  a user-friendly guide on being intimate during pregnancy.

Can sex hurt the baby?  Generally speaking, there aren’t many contraindications to sex during pregnancy.  If there is bleeding in early pregnancy, your obstetrician may recommend a period of pelvic rest (no placing anything into the vagina), or if your placenta is located too closely to the cervix, then you may have to defer sexual activity due to risk of bleeding.  Otherwise, unless your water has broken or your cervix is significantly dilated, then you should be good to go (but only if you want to!).  As far as trauma to the baby, intercourse isn’t expected to “shake” the baby or poke him/her in the eye ;)

Good thing it’s ok to have sex, because I’m super-frisky!  Some women have expressed concern about increased libido while pregnant.  Even with nausea, increased acne, GI issues, or limited comfortable sexual positions, there can still be a significant increase in sex drive.  The hormonal changes in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and also the increased sensitivity of the breasts and vulvar tissue can be factors.  Essentially, just ask your significant other if he remembers what it was like in junior high when he was going through puberty.  These hormonal changes can be even more exaggerated if you have been on estrogen-containing contraception in the past, as certain types of birth control can affect sex drive.  Lastly, there isn’t any stress associated with the effort to avoid (or achieve) pregnancy, and sex free of worry is certainly more fun!

Are there some positions that are preferable to others?  As pregnancy progresses, you may find that some positions become uncomfortable to you, so definitely avoid these.  Also, be sure to stay away from any position that places significant pressure on your abdomen as this can affect blood flow to the baby.

Uh oh, now I’m spotting and having contractions!  Am I in labor?!  One of the most common times patients come in for evaluation and labor checks is after having sex.   Contractions are usually caused by a combination of the stimulation of the cervix and the prostaglandins found in semen (prostaglandins are one of the same compounds used in higher doses to induce labor).  Spotting may occur due to the increased blood flow and sensitivity of the cervix. Many patients experience contractions that are mild or vaginal spotting after intercourse. These symptoms are quite common, and in most cases, we wouldn’t expect the contractions or spotting after intercourse to have adverse effects on pregnancy.  However, if your contractions become painful and remain persistent for more than an hour, or if your spotting becomes heavy bleeding so that you soak through more than a pad an hour, then be sure to go into the hospital for evaluation.  Also, if your blood type is Rh negative and you have any vaginal bleeding at all, be sure to notify your provider.

Many women experience a normal (and healthy) increase in both sexual drive and sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, and as long as there aren’t any medical contraindications, sex in pregnancy can still be both safe and fun.  However, not all women have have these changes, and this can be normal, too.  So, whether you elect to be intimate or not is ultimately up to you, and both choices can be part of a happy, healthy pregnancy :)

Dr Nick
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Call Us

    Teton Women's 

    We address the topics you need to know about regarding pregnancy and women's health issues.

    Archives

    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    Categories

    All
    Babies
    Breast Feeding
    Contraception
    Cord Blood Banking
    Delayed Cord Clamping
    Diet And Exercise
    Diet And Exercise In Pregnancy
    First Trimester
    Genetic Screening
    Guest Blogs
    Gynecologic Surgery
    Health And Fitness
    Hormones
    Induction Of Labor
    Infertility
    Just For Fun
    Menopause
    Overview Of Pregnancy
    Ovulation Prediction
    Pain Management In Labor
    Pap Smear
    Postpartum Depression
    Pregnancy Planning
    Second Trimester
    Sexual Health
    Sleep
    Vaginal Discharge
    Women's Health
    Zika Virus

    RSS Feed

Location

GET DIRECTIONS!
Teton Women's Health Center

2001 S Woodruff Ave #10
Idaho Falls, ID 83404









​Sitemap

Contact Us

Tel: 208-523-2060
​Fax: 208-523-9874

Office Hours

Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Fri - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates at Teton Women's Health Center!

**While we are excited to answer your questions, please be aware that the links below are not intended to provide urgent or emergent medical advice.  Thank you!