Pregnancy is an important period of a woman’s life. It includes many psychological changes besides physical changes. Sexual life is usually affected adversely. Sexuality is a basic instinct.
Pregnant woman may think sexuality can harm the fetus. But in fact, sexuality has no harm to a normally advancing pregnancy. Early intercourse during pregnancy is thought to cause body malformations but this is not true. Sexual desire is expected to increase as pregnancy advances and as woman gets adapted to the pregnancy. As uterus gets enlarged, sexuality becomes more difficult and can cause pain. Thus, last trimester is again associated with decreased sexual desire.
With noncomplicated pregnancies, no restriction is advised until the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. During the last 4 weeks, sexual intercourse is not advised as substances in the semen may lead to uterine contractions.
Sexuality may be restricted for woman with a history of recurrent abortions or preterm birth. Vaginal bleeding at any time during pregnancy is a contraindication for sexual intercourse. Intercourse should also be forbidden in case of a sexually transmitted disease. Plasenta previa is another contraindication for sexual intercourse.
If pregnant women avoid sexual intercourse because of psychological reasons, they should be supported and they should not be forced.
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