Sex during pregnancy. Doctors’ perspectives

Dr. Blasio Omuga

SEX in pregnancy is shrouded in a lot of myths. beliefs and taboos. Sex does not have a direct benefit to the woman at this time except for the purposes of cementing her relationship with her partner and as a demonstration of love. Therefore. it should be approached with a lot of care and caution. Sex should be gentle and avoid wild orgasms.

Pregnant women should abstain from sex in the first three months of pregnancy as sex at this stage can stimulate an abortion if the woman has an orgasm. There is also the risk of spontaneous abortion (when the pregnancy is less than 20 weeks) because of the presence of prostaglandins on the sperm head.

Sex should also be avoided after 36 weeks because of fear of causing neonatal infections. At this stage. the woman must maintain utmost hygiene and any infection at this point will not have sufficient time to clear.

However. there are some situations where a woman is advised not to have sex at all. until she has been certified by the doctor to do so. Such situations include draining or producing baby water. either due to premature rupture of membranes; bleeding and genital infection.

Other situations where sex should be approached with extreme caution are when the woman has a compensated state like severe anaemia. respiratory or heart diseases. This is because when the woman becomes very excited it can precipitate failure and sudden death of the mother.

Any situation that can predispose a pregnant woman to STls like multiple partners should be avoided. STls can lead to neonatal death in utero.

Dr David Kiragu

SEX is generally safe throughout pregnancy from conception to delivery. However. in a few situations a doctor may advise a woman against it. Such situations include:

• When a woman has been bleeding. she is advised not to have sex as this can provoke further bleeding.
• A woman who has experienced premature labour and is on treatment is advised not to have sex.
• Where the membranes have ruptured. a woman should abstain from sex.
• Where either partner is on treatment of STls sex has to be stopped until cure is confirmed.
• If one is healthy and there are no complications. sex can be continued until the onset of labour.

END: PG 07 /15