How Late in Pregnancy is it Safe to Have Sex?

By : Admin

The fact of the matter is that it is, generally speaking, safe to have sex pretty much right up until you are ready to delivery your baby. In fact, when a baby is past its due date, some experts even recommend having sex as a way to induce labor! However, there are some things to consider when thinking about having sex late in pregnancy.

There are certain conditions that may lead your health care provider to recommend that you abstain from sex in late pregnancy. A history or a threat of having a miscarriage or stillbirth, for example, is one of these conditions. If you have a history of preterm labor or if you have signs that suggest a risk of pre-term labor, such as premature uterine contractions, you may wish to abstain from sex. There are a variety of other things that may or may not lead your health care provider to recommend against sex, including:

- unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping
- leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)
- placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
- an incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens) prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
- multiple fetuses (you're having twins, triplets, etc.)

The good news is that, for most women, these issues are not a factor. Sex is completely safe for your baby, as your baby is protected by the amniotic sac and by the muscles of the uterus. There is no chance of the penis coming into contact with the baby when you are having sex.

There is something else to think about in terms of late pregnancy and sex, as well. The last trimester of pregnancy is the time when, obviously, your belly will be the biggest. It is also a time when deep penetration may be uncomfortable. During the third trimester, you might use the rear entry position or spooning to make sex more comfortable.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.