The safety of sexual intercourse and other activities during pregnancy has been the topic of debate between physicians and other health professionals for quite some time. The general consensus is that as long as the pregnant female is in good health, and the pregnancy is normal, penile-vaginal intercourse and oral sex can be safe into the last weeks of the pregnancy. Some evidence that suggests that sex with strap-ons and vibrators is also considered safe during pregnancy, but check with your doctor to make sure it is right for you. A pregnancy is considered normal when there is a low risk of miscarriage, pre-term labor, development complications and expected birth defects. An abnormal pregnancy is relatively rare, as long as the woman is healthy, with no diseases or disabilities and without drug or alcohol addictions.

Penile-vaginal intercourse is considered safe during pregnancy for many reasons. If you are planning to use a vibrator or strap-on during sex, check with your physician to determine whether or not it is safe for you. Orgasms are considered to be safe during pregnancy for both pregnant female and baby, although in some women the contractions caused by the orgasm can cause discomfort.

During pregnancy, a fetus, which is well cushioned by amniotic fluid, develops in the uterus, a strong muscle. The cervix separates the uterus and the vagina; the penis cannot come in contact with the fetus, one of the primary reasons that penile-vaginal intercourse is safe during pregnancy. The cervix consists of multiple layers of tissue; it opens or "dilates" like a circle during labor so that the baby can pass through the vagina. During pregnancy a thick, sturdy mucus plug develops and literally seals the cervix to prevent infection. The fetus is protected by the mucus plug, amniotic sac, and strong walls of the uterus, though the penis cannot reach beyond the cervix anyway. Oral sex is considered to be a safe sex practice during pregnancy, providing that there is no air blown into the vagina; mutual masturbation and foreplay are largely considered to be safer sex practices in general, and also during pregnancy.

Many doctors encourage sex during pregnancy; they maintain it is therapeutic. All pregnant women should consult their doctors to determine whether or not their pregnancy is normal. It is unsafe to not consult your doctor regarding any issue during your pregnancy and it is necessary to be aware of your body. It is even more crucial to have a relationship with a doctor who makes you comfortable. Choose a doctor who will educate you, who is attentive and willing to communicate during the entire pregnancy.

There are some precautions all pregnant women should take during their pregnancy.

Engaging in sex while pregnant with someone who has any sexually transmitted diseases is obviously dangerous for the woman but also could be fatal for the baby. A developing fetus can become infected and disease can be transmitted during development or during labor. Pregnant women, like anyone else, should either practice safe sex if they are in a non-monogamous relationship.

Blowing air into the vagina during cunnilingus should also be avoided during pregnancy. A common oral sex technique, this practice can cause an air embolism. An air embolism is when a blood vessel is blocked by an air bubble; it can decrease healthy circulation and be fatal for the mother and/or the child.

There are some conditions that can occur in any woman during pregnancy that would make the avoidance of sexual intercourse a wise choice. Among them are: a history of miscarriage. a history of pre-term labor, vaginal bleeding or cramps, breaking of water, incompetent cervix, placenta previa, or pain with intercourse.

Placenta previa occurs in approximately one in two hundred pregnancies. This is the condition of the placenta attaching to the cervix. This is a problem since the mother can deliver the placenta before the baby, causing her to hemorrhage. The placenta provides nourishment to the developing fetus, which becomes a risk factor if attached to the cervix.

Incompetent cervix is when the cervix is weak and therefore dilates prematurely. Both of these conditions increase the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery. However, just like there are cases which have resulted in fatal consequences, there are cases which have resulted in healthy deliveries.

If the mother has a history or threat of miscarriage or a history of pre-term labor or signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor, intercourse is discouraged. Vaginal bleeding, cramps, pain, or water breaking, are all also signs to stop intercourse. Couples should also avoid having intercourse if bleeding and/or pain occurs during intercourse. Being pregnant with two or more fetuses categorizes any pregnancy as a high-risk pregnancy rather than a normal one, which is a reason to not engage in sexual intercourse.

Regardless of safety reasons, sex during pregnancy can be awkward at times. Besides many hormonal changes and emotional experiences, the pregnant woman may not feel attractive or comfortable with her changing body, which could affect her sex drive. These negative feelings can be controlled if it is obvious that her partner finds her desirable throughout her pregnancy. If her partner is put off or finds her less appealing during her pregnancy, she is less likely to want to be intimate.

Weight gain can affect sex life during pregnancy for several reasons. Besides feeling less attractive, the weight is simply difficult to carry during sex. A woman will have an increase in pressure during sex because of the heaviness. Most women agree they have a difficult time lying on their back during intercourse because of the weight they have to support. Certain positions will make intercourse easier on the woman. Carrying the weight during sex can be a chore and therefore decrease pleasure. Rear-entry and side-lying positions during intercourse make it easier. If there continues to be discomfort and pressure during intercourse, it is best to not engage in deep penetration; foreplay, oral sex, and masturbation are good pleasure sources instead.

Sex drive on the whole varies between pregnant women. Many women feel nauseous, tired and emotional during the first trimester. They may also vomit, experience breast tenderness and an increase in urination. These are factors that could affect their desire for sex and interest in participating in sex. Most women during the second trimester are more relaxed with less physical side effects and may even have an increase in energy and sex drive. No two women are the same. Some females desire sex more then ever while pregnant, and some have no sex drive at all. Sex drive is affected by hormones and emotions. Also, planning for the child, emotionally, financially and getting everything in order is a priority for any expecting mother. An increase in stress and worry can distract the pregnant female from wanting sex.

For the pregnant woman’s partner, sex drive can vary as well. Some people will be nervous and worry that they could hurt the developing baby. This is why communication between partners and a doctor is vital. The key to great sex during pregnancy is comfort. Accepting that it is safe to have intercourse, and knowing that the pregnant female is paying attention to her body is a good start. Once a couple believes it is okay to have sex during pregnancy, and then actually experiences sex during pregnancy without difficulty, then they will continue to have sex without much worry. Many people wonder if the baby knows they are having sex or can see or feel them. But the baby is protected and unaware of this sexual activity.

Though each pregnancy is unique, some tips are useful for all pregnant couples. Hormone changes effect the secretions of a woman, so extra lubrication is encouraged. Also, pillows for comfort and support are a good tactic for comfortable, cushiony sex. Orgasms are safe during pregnancy, but in some pregnant women the contractions caused by the orgasm can actually be uncomfortable and displeasing.

Recognizing that sex is safe during pregnancy is necessary in order to have enjoyable sex. Once the baby is delivered, sex lives will change no matter what. As long as the pregnancy is deemed to be normal by the pregnant woman’s doctor, and the pregnant woman is in good health, sex during pregnancy is a normal, natural, and healthy part of life.