Tips on sexual intercourse during pregnancy

Many couples debate whether or not it is safe to have sexual intercourse when a woman is pregnant. While some physicians may recommend that a woman refrain from sex during pregnancy due to conditions such as premature shortening of the cervix, previous pre-term birth or leaking amniotic fluid, intercourse is often safe for women who do not have these complications, according to an article published by HealthNews.com. The news provider recently offered several tips for expectant couples who want to maintain normal sexually activity.

A growing belly may make it awkward for couples to have sex in the same positions that they usually do. The news source recommended that certain sexual positions, such as woman-on-top and side-lying rear-entry vaginal intercourse may improve the comfort of both partners during these types of encounters.

The news organization suggested that women should avoid intercourse if they have a bladder infection, since an infection in the genitourinary tract can be spread upward into or beyond the uterus during intercourse. Females should also insist that their partners are screened for sexually transmitted diseases before engaging in sex, as serious complications may occur if a woman contracts a sexual infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women should be tested for chlamydia, hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis.