LILIAN NUWABAINE: Safety of Sex During Pregnancy

Some pregnant women are afraid to have an orgasm because it can cause the uterus to contract. Ideally, this should not be a concern in a normal pregnancy. The uterus contracts in the same manner with Braxton Hicks contractions which are perfectly natural occurrences during pregnancy.

There are differing opinions about how late in the 3^rd trimester it is safe to have sexual intercourse. Some research studies suggest for the last two months of pregnancy, while others conclude there are no risks associated with having sexual intercourse up to the day of delivery.

There is some evidence that shows that condom use during the final months of pregnancy lowers the risk of infection. Many couples refrain from sexual intercourse late in pregnancy because they fear they may harm the baby or induce labour. Sexual intercourse will not cause premature labour.

There are two major warnings about sex during pregnancy. The first one is for the partner to avoid blowing air into the vagina during oral sex. This has been known to result into embolism which would endanger the mothers’ and baby’s lives. The second warning is to use a condom for sexual intercourse with a partner who may have a sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis, chlamydia, genital warts among others. If the woman becomes infected, the infection may be transmitted to her baby and this can result into dangerous consequences.

Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect pregnancy and the health of the baby. If one has a new partner during pregnancy, let them use a condom. This can help protect against STDs, including HIV/AIDS.

The author is Lilian Nuwabaine Luyima; BSc Nurse and MSN-Midwife and Women’s’ Health Specialist and the HIHA-Midwife of the Year 2021 working with Aga Khan University as the Continuous Professional Development Coordinator