Pregnancy and Sexual Health
A woman’s overall well-being
is the most important thing in pregnancy. And, the overall well-being includes
a woman’s sexual health too. So, its well-being during pregnancy is just as
important. It is more important during pregnancy than at any other time as it affects
the baby’s health.
Just the absence of
disease, dysfunction or infirmity does not mean you are sexually healthy. Being
sexually healthy means being physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially
well in relation to sexuality. To be sexually healthy you need a positive and
respectful approach to sexuality and your sexual relationships while practicing
safe sex. And also having sexual experience free of coercion, discrimination
and violence. Sexual health is of paramount check-ups and tests.
How is
your sexual health?
Many sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs) go undetected
for years as some diseases have no symptoms and are hard to detect. So, it is
advisable to go for regular check-ups as some STDs like gonorrhoea, can
cause infertility in women and others, like syphilis, can be transferred from mother to the baby during
pregnancy.
Although many STDs do not pose any life threats and can be treated
successfully, it is better for both the mother and the child to get treated
before a woman becomes pregnant.
How to protect your sexual health before pregnancy?
If you're planning on being pregnant, you're obviously going to using stop
every form of contraception. When you stop using protection it means that if
you already have an STI or your partner has an STI, you both could easily pass
it to each other. It will result in you both being infected with a sexually
transmitted disease.
So, for the reason of being safe and being sure, you both should get
tested if you're thinking of starting a family with someone.
Protecting your unborn child
If
a mother is infected with any type of STD, like HIV or syphilis, it
can be passed to the baby when they are in the womb or at the time of birth. If
your doctors are aware of your sexual health, they can take proper measurements
to help protect the unborn child.
Some of
the sexually transmitted diseases can be passed to the child during giving
birth to them. If a woman knows about her infection, then you can take steps to
prevent this from happening. Like you can opt for having delivery by a caesarean
section. So, if you notice any signs and symptoms of an STI and think you
may have an STI, it’s important to let your gynaecologist, nurse or
midwife know.
Sex during pregnancy
Some
women have the question of whether they can have sex during pregnancy? Most of
them have inhibitions about having intercourse as they are worried it might
harm the baby. But it is ok to have sex during pregnancy as long as you want to
have it. For some women, pregnancy tends to increase their sex drive and it
happens mostly in the second trimester of pregnancy. And, for both men and women, pregnancy can be
quite sexy.
However,
it is advisable to speak to your midwife or doctor if you have a history of
miscarriage or early labour. They will guide you properly as to when it might
be safest to have sex and avoid sex.
Are there any benefits to having sex
during pregnancy?
Having
sex during pregnancy can be a good idea for partners to enjoy each other’s
company sexually before the arrival of the baby. Having satisfactory sex can
help keep your relationship strong. Also, after childbirth, having penetrative
or vaginal sex is not possible for some time. Most new parents find that they
have less energy and time for sex or even a date night.
If
the due date of delivery is close and if you are way past your due date then having
sex can help get labour started. This can happen due to the substances present in
semen called prostaglandins that soften the woman's cervix and hormones released
by nipple stimulation encourage the womb to contract.
Existing STIs and pregnancy
If
you are planning on getting pregnant and you suspect you have symptoms related
to STD then tell your general practitioner or midwife. Having a healthy
pregnancy depends on what kind of infection you have; you may still be
able to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child. But some infections like
syphilis lessen your chances of becoming
pregnant.
Most
sexually transmitted diseases can be cured completely but there are infections
that can't be cured completely, like herpes and HIV. For them,
there are many steps that can be taken to lessen the chances of the virus
passing from mother to child.
After
birth both the parents and carers need to take extra care making sure they
don't pass any STDs to the child. Your doctor or midwife will tell you about the
precautions you might need to take.
And,
it is advisable for both partners to get tested before trying for a child.
What to do when you catch STI during
pregnancy?
If
you have sex during pregnancy then it is possible you can catch an STI during
pregnancy. It can cause problems for both mother and child. The infection can
be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, at delivery, or during their
childhood.
If
you are pregnant and think you may have caught a sexually transmitted disease,
tell your midwife or doctor immediately. They will give you the required treatment
and tell you all your options. Some infections can be cured completely like syphilis
and gonorrhoea, but some infections like herpes and HIV are not curable but their
effects can be lessened.
Tips for better, safer sex during
pregnancy
Always
use a condom while
engaging in vaginal, oral or anal sexual activity, or practice safer sex alternatives
even when you are pregnant.
Here
are some tips to keep in mind:
·
You can have sex during pregnancy as the baby
will not be harmed as they have no clue what's happening. They are well
protected in the womb by placenta and uterus walls.
·
Your preferences regarding sex may change
as your hormones change during pregnancy.
·
Have a good talk about what turns you
on and
off. This can be a good learning experience for both you and your partner.
In the last stage of pregnancy:
·
The third trimester can be uncomfortable
for women so be prepared to try different positions to get comfy.
·
Haemorrhoids are common during pregnancy
so try to have anal sex.
·
Sex can help start labour if you are near
your due date or is way past your due date.
References: https://www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk/pregnancy/sex-health-pregnancy/are-you-sexually-healthy