The article is professionally consulted by the doctors of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Many couples reveal that sexual intercourse during pregnancy is the best experience they have ever had in their sex life. However, during pregnancy, especially in the final months, a woman's body undergoes many changes, as well as psychological concerns about the potential harm to the fetus, leading couples to constantly ask: should or should not have sexual intercourse during the last trimester of pregnancy?)
1. Psychological and Physiological Changes in Pregnant Women During the Last Trimester
1.1. Changes in the Mother's Body During the Last Trimester of Pregnancy
The last trimester of pregnancy is a period when the fetus has gradually developed its organ systems and is gaining weight rapidly. Therefore, during the final trimester, pregnant women undergo significant hormonal changes, uterine growth, rapid enlargement of the abdomen, breast development, breast pain, and symptoms such as nausea, rapid weight gain, feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, fatigue, and exhaustion, which significantly reduce sexual activity during pregnancy.
Additionally, during this period, other causes such as joint swelling, swollen feet, back pain, heartburn, etc., make pregnant women experience discomfort and reduced sexual desire.
1.2. Psychological State of Pregnant Women in the Last Trimester
Most women, when pregnant, are pampered more by their husbands. Their value in life increases, and their spirits are more relaxed, leading to a higher desire for intimacy with their partners. Moreover, the changes in a woman's body during pregnancy can make her appear more attractive: enlarged breasts, a fuller body, etc., which increases the husband's sexual desire.
However, by the last trimester, due to the rapid increase in body weight, enlarged belly, and back pain, which limits sexual activity, many women will experience reduced libido.
Furthermore, most women today participate in social work. In addition to the fatigue from pregnancy, workplace pressures, conflicts with colleagues, superiors, and family contribute to a heavy psychological burden for pregnant women, which can lead to a lack of sexual desire during pregnancy. At this time, the husband must be the one to comfort, console, encourage, and help his wife overcome this psychological barrier.
2. Should You Have Sex During the Last Trimester of Pregnancy?
Many couples ask obstetricians whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. The answer is: Yes, as sexual intercourse during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and baby if done correctly.
Throughout a normal pregnancy, sexual intercourse is safe, and the mother need not worry about any harm to the fetus. A normal pregnancy is one that is not classified as high risk for preterm birth or miscarriage. For high-risk pregnancies, doctors may advise against sexual activity.
In fact, during a normal pregnancy, the husband's penis does not reach the fetus, and sperm cannot enter the uterus due to the thick and viscous mucus plug in the cervix, which prevents bacteria and sperm from entering. During orgasm, the uterus may contract more strongly, and the fetus may move more, but this does not cause harm.
Additionally, sexual activity during the last trimester can help strengthen the bond between the couple, improve mental well-being, and promote better sleep, all of which are good for preparing for the baby's arrival. However, pregnant women should be mindful of their physical changes during pregnancy and adjust their positions to ensure the best emotional experience.
3. Does Sexual Intercourse Cause Labor?
A study conducted on 90 pregnant women during the last trimester regarding sexual activity showed that more than 50% of women had sexual intercourse after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Sexual intercourse during this phase not only does not induce labor but may also delay labor for a few days. Specifically, the group that had sexual intercourse gave birth around 39.6 weeks, while the group that did not have sexual intercourse gave birth around 39.2 weeks. Although this difference is not clinically significant, it provides some insight into the safety of sexual intercourse during the last trimester.
Thus, unless there are health concerns and a doctor advises abstaining from intercourse, couples can have sex throughout pregnancy.
The sensation of orgasm may cause uterine contractions, but these contractions are not strong enough to induce labor. Therefore, orgasm from sexual intercourse does not increase the risk of preterm birth. Even in cases where the pregnancy has reached the due date, sexual intercourse does not trigger labor.
4. Can Sexual Intercourse Harm the Fetus?
Normally, the fetus is relatively protected in the uterus by amniotic fluid, the amniotic sac, and the mucus plug sealing the cervix. Even during deep penetration, the husband's penis cannot reach the fetus. Therefore, sexual intercourse is generally considered not to harm the fetus.
5. High-Risk Groups Who Should Avoid Sexual Intercourse in the Last Trimester
Trắc nghiệm: Sự thật về ham muốn tình dục của bạn
Ham muốn tình dục của một người được thúc đẩy bởi chức năng não, hormone và hành vi, có xu hướng dao động theo trạng thái tinh thần, sự thay đổi hormone. Trả lời nhanh một số câu hỏi trắc nghiệm sau sẽ giúp bạn có thể hiểu thêm về sự thật về ham muốn tình dục của bạn.
Bài dịch từ: webmd.com
- Repeated history of miscarriage.
- Cervical insufficiency.
- History of preterm birth.
- Signs of preterm labor: cramp-like abdominal pain, pink vaginal discharge, etc.
- Short cervix detected by ultrasound.
- Premature rupture of membranes.
- The pregnant woman or her partner has sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, genital warts, syphilis, HIV, herpes, Trichomonas, etc.
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Diagnosed placenta previa or low-lying placenta.
- Multiple pregnancies: twins or more.
- Signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, edema, proteinuria).
6. Things to Note When Having Sex in the Last Trimester of Pregnancy
Pregnant women with sexually transmitted infections are at risk of affecting their pregnancy (such as premature rupture of membranes, amniotic infections, preterm birth, etc.) and the fetus (intrauterine infection, premature birth, etc.). Therefore, if a partner has a sexually transmitted infection, using a condom is essential. Furthermore, some pregnant women may have multiple partners without knowing their health status, so using condoms is necessary.
Choosing the right positions during pregnancy can help reduce discomfort during sexual intercourse.
In the early stages of pregnancy, traditional sexual positions are not problematic. However, once the pregnancy reaches 14 weeks and the belly begins to grow, adjustments should be made.
Recommended sexual positions in the last trimester of pregnancy include:
- Woman on top: This position allows the woman to control the depth of penetration and is comfortable throughout pregnancy until delivery.
- Spooning: The man is behind the woman, with the penis entering between the thighs and into the vagina from behind. This position does not put pressure on the abdomen. Many women find this position comfortable throughout pregnancy.
- Hands and knees: This position is suitable for pregnant women as it does not put direct pressure on the belly.
- Side lying with knee pulled up.
Can oral sex be performed? Yes, but pregnant women need to note:
- The partner should not blow air into the pregnant woman's genitals, as air can enter the vagina and reach the fetal circulation, causing an air embolism. This is rare but can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.
- Ensure the partner does not have oral herpes, as performing oral sex could transmit herpes or other viruses to the pregnant woman's genital tract.
While sexual intercourse during the last trimester is generally considered safe, this may not be true for all pregnant women. Some women may be advised against intercourse due to health concerns for themselves or the baby. Pregnant women should also seek medical attention immediately if they experience abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding during or after intercourse.
The last trimester is the most sensitive phase of pregnancy, where even small abnormalities could signal preterm labor or fetal distress. Therefore, pregnant women should have regular check-ups to monitor their health and intervene early if necessary.
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