1. Sex is Safe in Normal Pregnancies
If you're having a normal or low-risk pregnancy then there is no medical reason why you shouldn't be able to have and enjoy pregnant sex with your partner. What's a "normal" or "low-risk" pregnancy? A low-risk pregnancy is characterized as one having little worry of miscarriage or pre-term labor. If you're pregnant and want to know if you fall into either of those categories, ask your health care provider.
2. Sex May Be Off Limits
There are times however, when sex while pregnant may not be safe. Having previously delivered a baby prior to 37 weeks, having unexplained vaginal bleeding or cramping or carrying twins are some reasons your doctor may determine that having sex is too risky a proposition. If there are issues concerning sex and your pregnancy, your health care provider will inform you of these concerns and may determine that sex is off limits for the duration of a high-risk pregnancy.
3. No, the Baby Won't Know What You're Doing
One of the many concerns couples have about sex during pregnancy is that the baby will somehow "know" what mommy and daddy are doing. These worries are completely misplaced. The baby is fully protected and completely unaware of what you are doing. The amniotic sac, a bag that hold the fetus and the amniotic fluid, surrounds your baby and a thick mucus covering seals the cervix during pregnancy. The penis doesn't come anywhere near the fetus during sex.
4. Communicate With Your Partner
If given the okay to have sex during pregnancy, the one thing to remember is that you and your partner need to communicate about your worries, needs and desires. Male and female desire may fluctuate greatly during the course of the pregnancy. Women may not feel attractive because of their changing bodies or men may be preoccupied with the financial concerns a new addition to the family will bring. On the other hand, men may revel in their partner's newfound curves, and the influx of hormones may increase a woman's desire for sex. The one thing for sure is there will be changes and to navigate those changes you and your partner must communicate to determine what will be best for everyone involved.
5. Direct Doubts to Your Doctor
Ultimately, direct any concerns you may have about the safety or possibilities of sex during pregnancy to your health care provider. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you a solid understanding of what is and isn't safe or what's possible sexually for you and your partner.
