Question: Is sex harmful during pregnancy?
Answer: In general this is false.
However, if the pregnant woman has an increased risk for miscarriage, placenta previa or a very low-lying placenta, a history of preterm birth, premature labor, unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal cramping, dilated cervix, ruptured membranes, unhealed herpes lesion in either partner, pain with intercourse your obstetrician might recommend avoiding intercourse during pregnancy. To my understanding, most of the above conditions contra-indicate sex during pregnancy due to theoretical reasoning as opposed to 'evidenced' based research. The primary obstacle to definitively knowing the 'right' answer is that no one is wants to do a study that could place the unborn fetus at risk. Thus, if you or your partner have any of the above conditions it might make sense to "play it safe." Before taking any course of action, to make an informed decision, I strongly encourage you to consult your obstetrician/midwife.
This tip was developed for Sex Therapy in Philadelphia / the Center for Growth, inc
Is Sex Harmful During Pregnancy?
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Question: Is sex harmful during pregnancy?
Answer: In general this is false.
However, if the pregnant woman has an increased risk for miscarriage, placenta previa or a very low-lying placenta, a history of preterm birth, premature labor, unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal cramping, dilated cervix, ruptured membranes, unhealed herpes lesion in either partner, pain with intercourse your obstetrician might recommend avoiding intercourse during pregnancy. To my understanding, most of the above conditions contra-indicate sex during pregnancy due to theoretical reasoning as opposed to 'evidenced' based research. The primary obstacle to definitively knowing the 'right' answer is that no one is wants to do a study that could place the unborn fetus at risk. Thus, if you or your partner have any of the above conditions it might make sense to "play it safe." Before taking any course of action, to make an informed decision, I strongly encourage you to consult your obstetrician/midwife.
This tip was developed for Sex Therapy in Philadelphia / the Center for Growth, inc
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
"Alex" Caroline Robboy,
“Alex” Caroline Robboy, CAS, MSW, ACSW, AAMFT, CSTS, LCSW is the founder and executive director of the Center for Growth Inc / Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, a counseling organization that has an office in Ocean City, New Jersey, Richmond Virginia, Alphretta Georgia and 2 offices in Center City, Philadelphia PA. In her space time she launched the directory sextherapy.com as a resource tool for professionals dedicated to improving peoples sexual health. Alex has 25+ years of clinical experience working with adults and children. Specifically, she works with people struggling with compulsion problems, personality disorders, neurodiversity (dyslexia, tourettes, sensory issues, adhd, and high functioning autism) anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, shame, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, sexual function & dysfunction, blended families and parenting concerns. Currently, she provides individual, couples, family therapy and group therapy. Lastly, she offers supervision to both staff and therapists outside of this agency seeking their LCSW or AASECT Certification in sex therapy. Lastly, thru the Philadelphia International Women’s Project, she led a two year sex therapy group for West African women who experienced Female Genital Cutting as well as a sex therapy group for Sudanese women who experienced Female Genital Cutting.
Ms. Robboy earned three graduate degrees at the University of Pennsylvania; Masters in Social Work, Post-Masters in Certificate Marriage and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Sex Therapy and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality Education (otherwise known as ABD) as well as a Certificate in Home and School Social Work. Additionally, Ms. Robboy is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor of Sex Therapy and an ABS Certified Sexologist. Lastly, she is a Certified Imago Therapist. She is currently pursuing certification in CBIT.