I'm 18 weeks pregnant is it safe to have sex?

Question

iv been pregnant twice before the first a miscariage then a year ago i had to give birth at about 3 monthes and now im really scared to have sex with my boyfriend

Answer 1

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

If you're having a normal pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy.

So what's a "normal pregnancy"? It's one that's considered low-risk for complications such as miscarriage or pre-term labor. Talk to your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this category. (The next section of this article may help, too.)

Of course, just because sex is safe during pregnancy doesn't mean you'll necessarily want to have it! Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

You and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open regarding your sexual relationship. Talk about other ways to satisfy your need for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other. You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable.

Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.
When It's Not Safe

There are two types of sexual behavior that aren't safe for any pregnant woman:

* If you engage in oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. Blowing air can cause an air embolism (a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble), which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
* You should not have sex with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to you or who may have a sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV. If you become infected, the disease may be transmitted to your baby, with potentially dangerous consequences.

If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or detects certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is likely to advise against sexual intercourse. The most common risk factors include:

* a history or threat of miscarriage
* a history of pre-term labor (you've previously delivered a baby before 37 weeks) or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)
* unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
* leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
* placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
* incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
* multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)

Common Questions and Concerns

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy.
Can sex harm my baby?

No, not directly. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus 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. The penis does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.
Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions?

In cases of normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labor. However, you should check with your health care provider to make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. Some doctors recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions. Check with your health care provider to see what he or she thinks is best.
Is it normal for my sex drive to increase or decrease during pregnancy?

Actually, both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between). Many pregnant women find that symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate make sex too bothersome, especially during the first trimester. Generally, fatigue and nausea subside during the second trimester, and some women find that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that freedom from worries about contraception, combined with a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, makes sex more fulfilling. Desire generally subsides again during the third trimester as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of what's about to happen sets in.

Your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase or decrease as well. Some men feel even closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Others may experience decreased desire because of anxiety about the burdens of parenthood, or because of concerns about the health of both the mother and their unborn child.

Your partner may have trouble reconciling your identity as a sexual partner with your new (and increasingly visible) identity as an expectant mother. Again, remember that communication with your partner can be a great help in dealing with these issues.
When to Call Your Doctor

Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex is safe for you. Also, call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.

Remember, "normal" is a relative term when it comes to sex during pregnancy. You and your partner need to discuss what feels right for both of you.

Answer 2

It is supposed to be safe particularily now yor past 12week stage personally i'm 19weeks and this time just ca't bare the thught of sex, I don't know why was quite sexual last pregnancy throughout, It's been about 12 weeks since had it and only done it about 4 times through whole of pregnancy. So if you feel like it and you gentle no problem, you maybe more incontrol on top. Have a bit for me if you get round to it.

Answer 3

You need to speak to your GP or midwife. In general it is totally safe to have sex whilst pregnant. However, for some women that have had complications in the past, they recommend not to. So you should ask to make sure that its ok, i'm sure it will be though.

I do know how you feel though. I was 5 weeks 6 days pg when me and my BF had sex for the first time since finding out at just before 5 weeks (he went away with work the day we found out). The next day I had a miscarriage! I do now know that the baby had actually died before then though, and before I had sex. But before I found that out I was going mad at myself that it was my fault because I had sex! Although I knew full well that sex doesm't usually cause miscarriages.

Answer 4

well if you are scared don't feel bad if you decide to wait a while. Do what you think is safe for your unborn child. from experience : with my first child i waited 4 months before i had sex and it was the best of the best! now i'm pregnant and i've been having sex it's alright but do what you think is right.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Can't compete with that huge essay on here but i can simply say that as long as your both sensible and your boyfriend is considerate and gentle then yes you can. Sex felt better when pregnant and i was turned on all the time so me and my partner had great fun but he always made sure i was fully happy. Orgasms can be more intense when pregnant so enjoy it while you still can

Answer 7

unless your ob has told you no sex it's safe all the way up until your water breaks.

You're past the 12 week mark so your risk of miscarriage has dropped drastically. Enjoy yourself

Answer 8

It's probably the fear of sex you need to get over. Luckily we had sex up until around 4 hours before both of our children were born, and we have very healthy kids.

You should see if your health visitor or midwife could put you in contact with other mums to be with the same fears.

Answer 9

yes its safe to have sex as you are past the 3 months stage and baby is formed and doing well in there, nothing can hurt him/her as well protected, make the most of your time now as when this one comes along your time will be well cut short. I have 2 little girls now and in the past have had 4 miscarriages.Not easy to forget but try looking forward to this babies arrival and the time you have now with your partner as all babies put a huge stain on the best of relationships

Answer 10

hi there, i had intercourse all the way through my pregnancy,even just before i went into labour, remember that you are pregnant not ill,i know that after having a miscarriage it is hard to relax and enjoy as you r scared of it happening again, but being pregnant is so lovely, just try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy and all the changes, also enjoy the sex while you still have the time to yourselves.....good luck Hun and all the very bet for the future..xx

Answer 11

If everything is going well in your pregnancy, sex is perfectly safe, but if you are not sure, speak to your doctor for reassurance. Dont take any chances! Good Luck