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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I was just wandering is it bad to have sex during your pregnancy, even if the guy doesnt have an orgasm?

A. Except in medically-indicated cases and after your bag of waters has broken, sex during pregnancy is perfectly fine. The baby is well-protected in its bag of waters and the cervix is closed and protected by the mucus plug. And your partner can have an orgasm, it won't hurt you or the baby. It's also normal for the baby to become more active after intercourse or after you have an orgasm....it's thought that it is because the baby gets a lot of oxygen from the increased blood flow to the uterus and the gentle contractions that happen during orgasm. Your partner won't be able to hit the baby's head and the baby won't be able to "see" what's going on. Sex in pregnancy can be helpful in increasing closeness between a couple during pregnancy. If you are concerned that you should not be having sex during pregnancy, talk to your caregiver. And of course, if you are not in a mutually monogamous, HIV-free relationship, use safe sex techniques...

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Pregnancy & Sexuality

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.