Sex during pregnancy is a topic that many couples are reluctant to discuss.

While some couples feel comfortable maintaining their sexual activity throughout the pregnancy, others are hesitant as they may fear that sex during pregnancy can cause a premature birth. This concern is particularly dominant when the woman has a high-risk pregnancy, has a history of premature birth, or is experiencing complications during the pregnancy.

In this article, we will explore whether sex during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth or not.

What is premature birth?

A premature birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. Typically, a human pregnancy lasts for approximately 40 weeks.

Premature births are more common in women with high-risk pregnancies or those who have had a previous premature delivery. Premature babies may experience a range of health problems, including lung and respiratory problems, digestive issues, and developmental delays.

Myths about sex during pregnancy

There are many myths surrounding sex during pregnancy. One of the most common myths is that sex can cause premature birth or harm the developing fetus.

Contrary to popular belief, sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe if the woman has a low-risk pregnancy and is experiencing a healthy pregnancy. There are no reported cases of sex causing harm to the developing fetus or causing premature delivery when the woman has a normal pregnancy.

Factors that can increase the risk of premature birth

While sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe, there are some factors that can increase the risk of premature birth. These factors include:.

A history of premature birth
Pregnancy with multiples
Experiencing complications during pregnancy
Placenta previa
Incompetent cervix

It is important to note that if the woman presents any of these risk factors, she should consult with her healthcare provider before engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy.

Benefits of sex during pregnancy

Engaging in sexual activity throughout pregnancy may have some benefits for both the mother and the fetus. One benefit is that it can help improve the mother’s mood and decrease stress levels.

Sexual activity can also help increase blood flow to the uterus, which can improve the fetus’s development and reduce the risk of preterm labor. Additionally, sexual activity can help prepare the cervix for labor by increasing its flexibility.

When to avoid sex during pregnancy

While sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe, there are some instances where it may be best to avoid sex. These instances include:.

When the woman has a history of premature birth
When the woman is experiencing complications during pregnancy
When the woman has been advised by her healthcare provider to abstain from sexual activity

Conclusion

Sex during pregnancy is a controversial topic that has sparked many debates among healthcare providers, couples, and society.

While there are some instances where sex during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, such as when the woman has a high-risk pregnancy or is experiencing complications, for the most part, sex during pregnancy is considered safe. In fact, engaging in sexual activity throughout pregnancy may have some benefits for both the mother and the fetus.

However, if the woman presents any risk factors, she should always consult with her healthcare provider before engaging in any sexual activity during pregnancy.