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Lovemaking safe during pregnancy--study
by Jaspreet Virk - February 2, 2011 - comments
It is generally believed that sex during pregnancy may trigger early labor but researchers stated that there is little evidence to support this.
Often couples avoid sex during pregnancy thinking that it might harm the baby or give rise to other complications, but a new study puts to rest the concerns about the safety to mother and the baby.
The review published in the 'Canadian Medical Association Journal' states that sex is safe in women with low-risk pregnancies.
The study states that pregnant women can engage in sexual activities as long as they are comfortable enough to do it.
“Sex in pregnancy is normal. There are very few proven contraindications and risks to intercourse in low-risk pregnancies, and therefore these patients should be reassured," the researchers averred.
Women who have a history of early labor or carry more than one fetus should restrict the frequency of intercourse, as they are at the risk of giving birth soon.
No conclusive evidence on early labor
It is generally believed that sex during pregnancy may trigger early labor but researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto reviewed literature and stated that there is little evidence to support this.
They stated that premature labor, blood clots, pelvic inflammatory disease, bleeding in the placenta previa are potential but uncommon risks.
The low risk women, suffering from lower genital tract infections may face premature labor due to frequent intercourse.
Further, the studies on sex leading to early labor in high risk women are limited and contradictory.
Study author Claire Jones, MD, an obstetrician at Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, stated that the review, “relieve some of the fears that pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have, and relieve the fears of their partner, as well, who might be afraid of having sex for reasons that are not really founded.”
High risk situations
The researchers added that in case of high risk pregnancies, couple should abstain from sex.
Women who have a history of early labor or carry more than one fetus should restrict the frequency of intercourse, as they are at the risk of giving birth soon.
Further, women with placenta previa, a complication in which placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb and covers opening of cervix should avoid sex, as penis hitting the placenta can lead to bleeding.
The researchers added that pregnant women should also ensure that during oral sex their partner does not blow air into the vagina. This can lead to uterine blood clot, thus proving fatal both for the mother and the baby.
Regarding postpartum sex, they suggested that couple should have sex three months after birth.