|
Is
pregnancy a barrier to sex and exercise?
IndiaParenting addresses the oft-asked
questions about sexual intercourse and moderate exercise during the crucial
nine months.
Both men and women have their own
unique psychological reactions to a pregnancy. Thus it is impossible to
anticipate post-pregnancy sexual relationship in a couple. However, it
is unnecessary for a couple to abandon sexual activity merely due to pregnancy.
The current medical view states that women can safely enjoy intercourse
until the third trimester of their pregnancy, even when the cervix dilates
during labour. Only those women, who have a history of reproductive
problems or premature thinning and opening of the uterus, should abstain
from sex during the last three months.
Talk to your doctor
Sex is perfectly normal during the
nine months of pregnancy. In fact, this is the time when a couple can derive
optimum pleasure from sexual intercourse without paying attention to contraception.
However, expecting parents must discuss this issue with their gynaecologist.
They should not feel shy to ask how and how long can they indulge in sex.
The doctor may ask them to avoid intercourse if the pregnant woman has
had an earlier premature labour.
Changed self-image
of women
While some women tend to lose interest
in sex, others feel inclined towards it. Different women have different
sexual drives. Some cannot enjoy lovemaking due to the growing abdomen
or increased sensitivity of the breasts. Therefore, a couple must attempt
sex only if the pregnant woman gets pleasure out of it. Of course, pleasure
will depend on other aspects like fatigue, morning sickness, diet and mental
make up. So, the would-be parents can enjoy sex according to their
comfort level.
No harm to the foetus
Many men avoid intercourse because
they fear harm to the foetus. However, a water bag and the fluid around
it protect the baby in the womb. This water acts as a shock absorber and
protects the baby from accidental blows and jerks.
The uterus is housed in the bony
framework of a woman's pelvis. Cervix, mouth of the womb, has a plug of
mucus that seals the womb and prevents infection. Therefore, the insertion
of the penis (and the semen ejaculated during intercourse) in the vaginal
canal is no threat to the baby in the womb. Even if a woman sleeps on her
stomach during the intercourse, the baby cannot be affected.
However, the contraction of the uterus,
caused due to an orgasm during intercourse, might trigger off labour, especially
if the pregnant woman is in the third trimester. This is why an expecting
couple is advised to avoid intercourse in the last month of pregnancy.
Love need not mean
making love
A couple unable to continue sex,
either due to physical or other reasons, can attempt sex of a different
kind. They can try out alternatives to vaginal intercourse, like oral sex
or mutual masturbation or mere gentle massage or just caressing.
After all, it is the thought/emotion that counts. These alternative strategies
not only take care of the pregnant woman, but also keep the would-be father
sexually satisfied. Otherwise, pregnant women are likely to keep their
husbands sexually starved for over a year, first during the nine months,
and then for an indefinite period of post-pregnancy blues.
Exercise is not to
be ruled out
Moderate exercise, especially breathing
exercises, can be helpful during pregnancy. If the pregnant woman believes
in Yogasanas, it is advisable to take a medical opinion and choose some
suitable asanas. Morning and evening walks are of course instrumental in
keeping the mood upbeat in any circumstance.
It is unwise to start on a heavy
exercise schedule, but never discontinue a physical fitness programme.
For example, if a woman has pursued a sport/game for many years, there
is no reason to leave it altogether. Ranking tennis players and swimmers
have competed successfully in their sports during pregnancy. Recently,
pregnant women took to the ramp and excelled in the world of fashion too.
But these exceptions are not universally applicable. The point to be noted
is that pregnancy is no obstruction in any physical fitness schedule.
To add your views on
this article or read others comments Click
Here
Back to Previous Page
More on Pregnancy Index
Email this Article to a Friend
|
