Many couples wonder whether sex during pregnancy is compatible. Some are afraid of touching the baby’s head, others are reluctant for fear of causing pain, etc. However, there are generally no contraindications to making love when you’re pregnant. With all the hormonal changes taking place in your body, it’s even possible for your libido to explode! Midwife Amandine Scheffer tells us all about it.
Is it safe to make love when you’re pregnant?
It all depends on your pregnancy! If everything goes well, there won’t be any sexual problems. In other cases, it may be necessary to take precautions or avoid all sexual activity, in particular for:
- Pregnancies at risk of premature delivery
- If you have a very contracted uterus
- When the cervix changes a lot
- Bleeding
In this type of situation, it’s best to be careful and not have intercourse. That way, you won’t induce further contractions.
Pregnancy, a hormonal upheaval
During your 9 months of pregnancy, you’re bound to go through every emotional state imaginable. It’s normal: your body will be put to the test. Your hormones will be turned upside down, which will obviously have an impact on your libido.
Fluctuations in sexual desire during pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, your desire for sex will fluctuate according to your physical state and your hormones. Although this is unique to each woman, the following pattern can generally be observed:
- First trimester: every mum is different, and the symptoms associated with the start of pregnancy can have a major influence on your libido. If you experience frequent nausea and vomiting, it’s quite normal not to have much sexual desire. On the hormonal side, progesterone is released in large quantities. It tends to inhibit libido.
- Second trimester: during this period, the placenta produces a lot of oestrogen. This hormone promotes libido. Desire increases sharply.
- Third trimester: desire can increase during this period, particularly on the mother’s side. On the partner’s side, however, there may be some reluctance. The partner may be afraid of hurting the mother or her baby, due to the size of the belly. Some men are also afraid of touching the baby’s head.
Can I touch my baby’s head?
The baby’s head, resting in the pelvis, can be felt during sexual intercourse in the last trimester. Rest assured: it’s not possible to hurt it! After the baby’s head, there is a quantity of amniotic fluid. All this is then enveloped by the cervix. So what we’re touching is the mucous membrane and not the head directly.
Is sex allowed during pregnancy after all?
Is sex permitted during pregnancy? The answer is yes, if all goes well! Don’t hesitate to ask your midwife during your pregnancy check-up. She will be able to tell you whether sex is safe. However, if you experience any pain or bleeding, we advise you to contact your gynaecologist or midwife as soon as possible to check that everything is fine.
