$Unique_ID{BRK02063}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Sexual Relations During Pregnancy}
$Subject{prenatal care pregnancy sexual relations sexual intercourse sex
sexuality sexual behavior}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sexual Relations During Pregnancy


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QUESTION:  I have just learned that I am to have a child, and am overjoyed by
this very desired pregnancy.  However along with all the joy has come a bit of
anxiety about sexual relations during pregnancy.  My mother is very certain
that continued activity is a bad idea, and probably dangerous for the unborn
child.  I don't want to go against my mother, but feel I need more advice and
counsel and hope you can provide it for me.  Do you think you can include this
question in your column?  I need help.

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ANSWERS:  Mothers are my favorite kinds of people, and I am both respectful of
their knowledge and experience and grateful to them for their continued love
and concern for their offspring.  However well meaning your mother's advice
was, in this case she is wrong.  There are few reasons to restrict sexual
expression during pregnancy, and when there are, your own physician is the
best source of advice and counsel.  However, it is highly unlikely that normal
activity can do much to disrupt a normal pregnancy.  Though there may have to
be some adjustments in your activity as your belly grows, the choice to
continue is one that should be made by you and your husband.  While desire may
be somewhat less during the first three months of your pregnancy, due to some
of the symptoms that accompany early pregnancy, desire returns in fullest
measure during the second trimester when many of the fears and stresses have
disappeared.  The moments of sharing, love and affection, real togetherness,
that occur between expectant mothers and fathers can be a truly glorious time
in any marriage, and not one to be missed.
     All respect to your mother, this is a time for you, your husband and your
new developing child.  Make these decisions for yourself, free from guilt,
free from any need to explain.  They are your private moments; keep them that
way.  It may help you to know that some evidence suggests that a satisfying
sexual relationship during pregnancy may lead to more successful outcomes than
when abstinence becomes the rule.  Seek out you doctor's counsel, and when you
have become reassured, share these confidences with your husband, for he too,
may need the reassurances in this new life's circumstance.  Then relax and
enjoy one of life's most wonderful experiences.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.