FAQ about sex during pregnancy

Can sex harm my baby? the short answer is No, not directly. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the foetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. Your penis does not come into contact with the foetus during sex.

Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions? In most cases, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that your partner may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labour. However, it is better to check with your healthcare provider to make sure that your partner’s pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. It is common for doctors to recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions.

My partner doesn't want sex, is this normal? It is completely normal for you and your partner's desire for sex to increase or decrease during pregnancy. Some men feel even closer to their pregnant partners and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Some men experience decreased desire because of fears about the burdens of parenthood, or concerns about the wellbeing of both the mother and their unborn child. It is also difficult for some men to reconciling their partner’s identity as a sexual creature with their new emerging identity as a mother. Remember, that communication with your partner is the key, try to explain your fears and deal with them together.