There are just so many myths and misconceptions about having sex during pregnancy that one can't blame couples for being totally confused about what they should really be doing. One of the fears is that orgasms are dangerous during pregnancy and causes premature labor or even miscarriage. Another fear is that the baby can feel his/her parents engaging in sex and can somehow be affected by the movements caused, also that the process of the penis entering the vagina can in some way hurt the baby. So, what is myth and what is the truth of it all?

If normal pregnancy is expected and no complications are foreseen, sex during pregnancy should not be an issue. Doctors don't really advise against it. Of course, whether the woman has the desire for it is another matter. Especially during the first trimester, many women experience the common symptoms of pregnancy like nausea, fatigue, vomiting, soreness of the breasts, etc. So, really many women don't have the desire for sex during the first trimester. But, by the second trimester, many of these symptoms subside and the desire for sex can be reignited, as a result of the increase in blood flow to sexual organs, which is feature of this period of pregnancy.

Women therefore can go through ups and downs in their sexual desire during the full duration of pregnancy. And of course, each woman experiences pregnancy in her own distinct way. So, one really can't offer a broad view across the board for all women. Some women may have the desire for it intermittently, others may not feel like having it at all, yet others may just be scared about the perceived ill effects it could potentially have on the baby.

So, how safe is sex during pregnancy? Well, to start of, women should definitely avoid any potential for STDs or sexually transmitted diseases. That would mean, not taking any chances with a partner who could possibly be infected. STDs have been known to cause premature labor and known to be harmful for both mother and baby. Another potential problem could be if your partner inadvertently blows air into your vagina. This could potentially cause an air bubble/air embolism that can result in blockage of blood vessels - this can prove fatal to both mother and baby.

Also, there are certain situations wherein your doctor may advise against sex during pregnancy. For example, if you've had more than one miscarriage or have had a history of premature labor. Also, if you've experienced vaginal bleeding or have placenta previa (situation where the placenta is implanted in the lower segment of the uterus), your doctor may advise you against having sex. Also, they might advise you against it if you are carrying more than one fetus or during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Some of the myths about sex during pregnancy though are just myths. For example, the myth that orgasm can cause miscarriage or premature labor. It is important to note that the contractions felt during an orgasm are different than those experienced during labor. So, the two are not interchangeable and hence there is no correlation between the two. Also, it is a myth that the baby can be hurt by the penis entering the vagina, as there is a mucous plug that protects the womb.

In conclusion, sex during pregnancy is possible if both partners can talk and find their own comfort level, after having talked to their doctor. As mentioned, if there are no complications foreseen or any contraindications, sex is possible during pregnancy and is safe. Do consult your doctor though first to ensure that it is safe in your specific instance.