| Can we
have sex during pregnancy? |
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Can we have sex during pregnancy? I gather that intercourse
could result in a miscarriage. How does intercourse harm the baby?
Does sex during pregnancy result in premature labour? We were too
shy to ask our doctor.
-TBK,
Kakinada
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| Answer |
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| There is a widespread myth that sexual intercourse during pregnancy,
especially in the first 3 months (I trimester) may lead to miscarriage.
The truth is that most miscarriages during this time result from genetic
defects in the developing fetus. The spontaneous abortions which are
common in the first pregnancy, are wrongly attributed by many to sexual
intercourse during this time. For a woman whose pregnancy proceeds
normally without any complications, sex is not likely to cause any
pregnancy related problems including miscarriage and premature labour.
However, there are certain circumstances in which sexual intercourse
might predispose a pregnant woman to abortion. They include vaginal
bleeding, frequent pain in lower abdomen, previous history of miscarriages,
a weak cervix (mouth of the womb) that required sutures, evidence
or history of placental problems Ð all these conditions warrant care
or better still, abstinence from sex during pregnancy. Likewise, it
is not wise to participate in sex during and beyond second semester
if twins are detected. If any of these conditions are not present,
the couple can safely participate in sexual intercourse. Deep thrusting
is discouraged if the female experiences pain during coitus. Your
other question regarding possible harm to the developing baby: the
penis does not physically contact the fetus, which is well protected
by the uterine muscles and the amniotic fluid. The cervical mucous
plug prevents bacteria and semen from entering the womb. |
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| All the best |
| Poosha
Darbha |
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