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After the first stage of pregnancy, which is often accompanied by negative symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, flatulence, belching, abdominal pain), the pregnant woman comes back to life in the second trimester. The previous ailments usually disappear, the woman regains her balance and fully experiences her sexual desire.
During this time, as in the first trimester of pregnancy, there are no contraindications for sexual activity. The exceptions are conditions threatening the development of pregnancy (i.e. bleeding, breakage of amniotic fluid, contractions of the muscle of the uterus).
There is no evidence that sexual intercourse in an uneventful pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of uterine contractions, rupture of the fetal bladder, infection or bleeding. However, it should be remembered that they are part of the semen prostaglandynywhich may induce contractile activity of the uterine muscle and dilate the opening of the cervix. Undoubtedly, sexual intercourse is also favorable infections with sexually transmitted diseasesespecially in pregnant women who, due to their condition, are more prone to infections.
Therefore – despite the lack of sufficient data on the harmfulness of sexual intercourse – it should be remembered to abandon it in the event of any conditions that threaten pregnancy. Sexual intercourse must not be undertaken in patients with partial or complete ultrasound examination leading placenta. Mechanical trauma caused by sexual intercourse may lead to placental bleeding in them. It should also be remembered that any symptoms require immediate treatment vaginitis in a pregnant woman, whether or not symptoms genital organ infections her partner.
There are no recommendations as to what to do proper position during intercourse. However, along with the enlargement of the uterus, and thus – the circumference of the pregnant woman’s abdomen, intercourse in the classic position will be more and more difficult. So gradually it will be replaced by positions that do not require direct contact of the pregnant belly with the partner’s body (lateral position, from the back, etc.).
When writing about sexual intercourse during pregnancy, it is impossible not to mention his psychological aspect. Sometimes – especially if fertilization took place after a long period of waiting, treatment, or after previous failures – sexual intercourse poses a threat to the proper development of pregnancy. The situation is different for a man who often finds it difficult to move from the position of husband and partner to the role of father. The partners’ expectations may therefore be completely different, which can be a source of problems and conflicts in the relationship. It should also be remembered that the hormones secreted during pregnancy, especially progesterone, do not have a positive effect on a woman’s libido, so her sexual needs may be significantly reduced. Therefore, the period of pregnancy requires both partners to be large forbearance, patience and mutual understanding.
Text: lek. med. Ewa Zarudzka