However, most of these notions are quite unjustified. The first thing one must understand is how
pregnancy affects the
body of the woman. Pregnancy occurs when the male sperm fertilizes the egg
cell of the female.
This fertilized egg is called as the embryo, which gets
implanted in the uterus.
Pregnancy brings about a host of changes in the
woman, the first of them being the pause in the menstrual cycles. The embryo
develops into the fetus. In order to protect the fetus, the amniotic cavity
develops around it. The amniotic cavity is a fluid filled cavity meant for
supplying the fetus with all the nutrients it requires for its development.
At the same time, in order to prevent further fertilizations, the uterus
opening, i.e. the cervix, is blocked off by a layer of mucus.
Now we know the changes that take place in the uterus
when
pregnancy occurs. Nature provides the growing fetus with all the protections
necessary. The mucus layer cuts off the growing embryo from the rest of the
outside world.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no harm in having sex
when a woman is pregnant, and this could continue till late in the pregnancy.
First and foremost, there is no way the penis or the seminal and vaginal fluids
can come in contact with the embryo and cause any infections. This is because of
the mucus layer that blocks off the cervix. Also for this very same reason,
there can be no dislodging of the embryo inside the uterus in any manner.
However, care must be taken with the sexual positions that
are adopted. The missionary position must be avoided, since in this position
there is a tendency to lay more pressure on the uterus. The missionary position
is the one in which the male lies on top and both partners are belly-to-belly in
contact. Also the woman-on-top position must be avoided. Any other position in
which pressure is not exerted on the woman’s uterus is acceptable.
It is necessary to speak to the doctor about sexual
intercourse when the
woman is pregnant. This is because though there are no
technical problems with sexual intercourse during pregnancy, there can be some
biological problems linked with the past of the woman. Like if the woman has had
a premature birth in the past, then the doctor would advise the couple to
refrain from penetrative sexual intercourse in the last three months of
pregnancy. Women with miscarriages previously must not indulge in penetrative
sexual intercourse during the first three months. And women who have a short
cervix (this can be ascertained with a sonography test) must abstain from sexual
intercourse throughout the pregnancy.
Yet sexual intercourse during pregnancy takes on a new
meaning as the couple soon realizes. Since the woman’s body undergoes numerous
changes – including the increase in the size of the breasts and the hips – the
male partner may become more aroused. Hormonal changes may also induce the woman
to become more libidinous during pregnancy. At the same time, on an emotional
level, the partners develop greater love for each other in anticipation of their
shared joy.
But the contrary of this case can also be seen.
During
pregnancy, some women might become too preoccupied with their thoughts to become
interested in sexual intercourse. They may be intrigued by the changes in their
bodies, and even scared of them to an extent. If such a situation arises, then
it becomes the man’s responsibility to put the woman at ease.
Some couples could find
sex during pregnancy too difficult to
manage, due to the increase in the size of the couple. This could make the
vagina difficult to access considering some sexual positions. The man may be
reluctant to lie on top because of fear of harming the fetus, and the woman may
not lie on top for fear of putting more weight on the man. Both of these
situations could lead to difficulty in managing sexual intercourse.
Finally, it must be remembered that there are alternatives to
sexual intercourse if things become too difficult. Mutual masturbation is one of
the options. The couple can stimulate each other’s genitals by hands and lead
them to orgasms. This could help relieve the sexual frustration. Oral sex can be
performed without any problems. Though not advisable due to hygienic reasons,
anal sex is also an option. But the most important thing is, the couple should
develop stronger emotional bonds of love for each other. During pregnancy, it is
best to make love with the mind than with the genitals.
