Does orgasm during pregnancy affect the fetus?

This is an automatically translated article.

Many women worry that sex or orgasm might harm their baby or threaten their pregnancy. And men are also afraid of harming their partner or unborn baby during sex. However, for the vast majority of women, sex and orgasms are not only safe during pregnancy but also a healthy way to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

Research has shown that having sex does not cause or increase the risk of negative outcomes for the baby or the mother. In a normal and healthy pregnancy, orgasm does not increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Sexual activity can even have positive health benefits of pregnancy, by boosting feel-good hormones like oxytocin and increasing blood flow to the uterus. In this article, we will provide useful information to help you better understand that orgasm during pregnancy does not affect the fetus.

1. Is it possible to have sex while pregnant?

“Is it okay to have sex while pregnant?” This is a question many couples ask their obstetrician. The answer is yes if it is done properly. A pregnant mother may have a higher than normal need for sex and orgasm. It's completely normal and safe for a mother to have an orgasm during pregnancy. In the case of a healthy pregnancy, orgasm does not increase the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. However, if your pregnancy has many risk factors, doctors advise both couples to limit sex.
There is currently no research that proves orgasmic sex during pregnancy harms the baby. In fact, during a normal pregnancy, the husband's penis can't reach the fetus, and semen can't enter the uterus because the cervix has a thick and viscous plug, which helps prevent semen and bacteria no contact with the fetus. During orgasm, the baby's cervix contracts more strongly and the fetus moves more, but it doesn't have much effect.

2. When is sex unsafe?

Your doctor will advise you not to have sex during pregnancy when:
You have abnormal bleeding : It is normal to bleed after sex during pregnancy, it could be caused by a bump in the cervix. because your husband's penis goes too deep during sex. However, bleeding in early pregnancy can be a worrisome sign of miscarriage. Your doctor may recommend that you abstain from sex for a while until your pregnancy is stable. Placental growth in the wrong place on the uterine wall: also known as placenta previa, this is when the placenta attaches low on the uterine wall and completely or partially covers the cervix. Having sex in this situation increases the risk of massive bleeding. You are diagnosed with a weak or dilated cervix: This is when your cervix is ​​no longer strong and closes as it should. The pressure of the baby's head on the cervix causes the cervix to open prematurely, sometimes leading to a miscarriage in the second trimester. A surgical procedure called a cervical suture may be done to keep the cervix closed. Most doctors recommend no sex or very limited sex. Your water has broken: Having sex after your water has broken can increase your risk of infection. This can be birth complications and even dangerous. You are carrying multiples of three or more: When the uterus is stretched more than usual due to multiple pregnancies, orgasm increases the risk of preterm labor. You are at risk for preterm birth for example if you have had a preterm birth in the past, however not all cases of preterm birth will go on to have a preterm birth, but just in case doctors still recommend you should abstain from sex. Another concern about sex is the introduction of bacteria. Certain bacterial infections can increase the risk of premature birth, and sex introduces bacteria into the reproductive system.

3. Causes of orgasm during pregnancy

For many women, pregnancy increases sexual pleasure. In fact, some women even have their first orgasm when they're pregnant. There are several reasons for increased sexual pleasure:
Increased blood flow to the pelvic region during orgasm Pelvic sensitivity: Increased blood flow also means labia, clitoris and vagina mild swelling. This can also lead to irritation. Increased tactile sensitivity: Increased blood flow, plus mild swelling, coupled with higher hormone levels can lead to increased sensitivity to touch. This can make orgasms easier and can even lead to multiple orgasms in some women. Increase breast size and sensitivity: During pregnancy, your breasts are ready to start breastfeeding. Changes include increasing breast size, increasing blood flow to the breasts, and starting to produce breast milk. Your breasts may be more sensitive to the touch, increasing feelings of euphoria and orgasm.

4. The truth about orgasm during pregnancy

Orgasms can be a panacea for stress : Orgasms cause an adrenaline rush. Having sex during pregnancy and achieving orgasm can promote emotional well-being and reduce your stress levels, thus helping you get a good night's sleep. It can also help control your blood sugar and act as a stress reliever.
Preparation for labor : Orgasms help strengthen the pelvis, good for labor. During labor, the pelvis stretches a lot to help push the baby out. Orgasm is like a workout and can strengthen your pelvis before the big day.
Strengthens smooth muscles: As your baby grows larger over time, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on abdominal organs including your bladder causing you to urinate more. Orgasms can help strengthen the muscles that control the flow of urine.
Emotional changes : Due to hormonal fluctuations, you may experience mood swings and sometimes feel depressed. Having sex and having an orgasm can make you feel good and feel happy.
May be the cause of cramps: this is quite normal during pregnancy and varies in intensity for each orgasm. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps and go away on their own after a while.

5. The feeling of orgasm in the trimesters

5.1. The first three months

During the first trimester, morning sickness and fatigue can interfere with sexual performance. However, this does not mean that you will not want to have sex, but on the contrary, your desire for sex will probably increase. You should still feel an increase in blood flow and sensitivity in the pelvis and chest, which along with vaginal discharge can lead to faster and more satisfying orgasms.
In some women, due to severe morning sickness, it can reduce libido for a while but don't worry it will return to normal when you get rid of the symptoms of morning sickness.

5.2. Second trimester of pregnancy

This could be a great time to talk about orgasms when the morning sickness has passed, your body is slowly settling back down, second trimester pregnancy sex is thought to be ideal best. Here are a few symptoms you may experience:
Easier orgasm : There are a number of reasons for this, the main one being the increased blood flow during pregnancy causing your vagina to fall. More tension means more sensitivity and easier orgasms. This varies from person to person, but it happens to most pregnant women. You may feel uterine contractions or cramping after orgasm. This is completely normal and even happens when you are not pregnant. Don't worry - these contractions are not labor, they are merely contractions that combine when you have an orgasm. Cramps will usually subside with rest. Your abdomen may feel very hard which is completely normal even if you are pregnant or not. Tight belly skin and a wider abdomen will make you feel this sensation more clearly. Release of love hormone - Oxytocin: During pregnancy your body produces more oxytocin and when you have an orgasm your body secretes even more. It improves how you feel and makes you happier.

5.3. The last three months of pregnancy

During the last trimester of pregnancy, your enlarged belly interferes with sexual intercourse. You can still have sex even when you're pregnant, but you need to be creative with sex positions. The third trimester is accompanied by back pain and trouble sleeping, which can reduce your sex drive.
In addition, according to some beliefs, having sex in the days close to birth also works to facilitate a normal labor because: your husband's semen will make your cervix softer. or after sex, the concentration of prostaglandins in cervical mucus is 10 to 50 times higher than after sex. Prostaglandins are hormones that stimulate uterine contractions.
However, according to a number of randomized controlled studies in two groups of pregnant women who have regular sex and the group of women who have not had sex during pregnancy, the rate of early birth does not occur in either group. above. In other words, sex doesn't make labor faster. In fact, having sex isn't likely to lead to premature birth, and even at least one older study has found that having sex late in pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of having a baby. Soon.
Pregnancy is a special time for couples - make it even more special by going through it together and making memories with your partner. You can have sex with your husband during pregnancy whenever you are in the mood. It will help strengthen the bond between the two of you and may even help induce labor in the last days of pregnancy.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively. Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Articles refer to sources: healthline.com, verywellfamily.com, parenting.firstcry.com