Sex During Pregnancy

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy? Will it be painful? Will it hurt the developing baby? An O&G specialist gives us the answers.

- Mok Shi-lynn

Sex is something that we, as a conservative Asian society, prefer not to talk about openly. What more when it comes to sexual intercourse when a woman is pregnant. As a result, there are a number of misconceptions and tall tales drifting about. Thankfully, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Nicholas Lim was happy to speak with us and answer our questions (common questions which most people probably wonder about but are too shy to ask).

Let us begin on a happy note: according to Dr Lim, it is generally safe for pregnant women to have sex during pregnancy. Normal sexual intercourse in a healthy pregnancy will hurt neither mother nor baby. Of course, there are a few exceptions. Read on to find out what Dr Lim has to say.

Does sexual intercourse become more painful or more uncomfortable when a woman is pregnant?

Whether sex is more painful or less painful depends on the woman’s perception and position during the act.

So what are the sexual positions a couple can try if a woman is pregnant?

Before the fourth month, when the belly isn’t showing yet, I would say that the usual missionary position is fine. After 16 weeks of pregnancy, when the belly starts to show, I would advise against the missionary position. There are many other positions a couple can adopt, such as from the side, from the back or woman on top. These positions will help to prevent crushing the baby.

Other than not crushing the baby, are there any other dangers or other ways in which the baby might get hurt?

Any normal sexual intercourse will not hurt the baby because he or she is protected by the amniotic fluid, the muscles of the womb and the mucous plug.

So the sex act will not ‘traumatize’ the baby?