Sexual activity during pregnancy

Most research suggests that, during pregnancy, sexual desire and frequency of sexual relations decrease. However, these decreases are not universal: a significant number of women report greater sexual satisfaction throughout their pregnancies. == Safety ==

Sex during pregnancy is a low-risk behaviour except when the physician advises that sexual intercourse be avoided, because it may, in some pregnancies, lead to serious pregnancy complications or health issues such as a high risk for premature labour or a ruptured uterus. Such a decision may be based upon a history of difficulties in a previous childbirth. However, it has been observed that evidence in this area is lacking and physicians' advice is more likely to be based on supposition than scientific knowledge. Fetus protected by amniotic fluid During pregnancy, the fetus is protected from sexual thrusting and unwanted semen by the amniotic fluid in the womb and by the cervical mucus plug in the woman's cervix, which forms shortly after conception. == Benefits ==

Psychological usefulness Some studies in the 1980s and 1990s contend that it is useful for pregnant women to continue to be sexually active, specifically noting that overall sexual satisfaction was correlated with feeling happy about being pregnant, feeling more attractive in late pregnancy than before pregnancy, and experiencing orgasm. Prevention of pre-eclampsia There is tentative evidence for exposure to partner's semen as prevention for pre-eclampsia, largely due to the absorption of several immune modulating factors present in seminal fluid. ==After pregnancy==

Sexual intercourse after giving birth can begin when the couple is both ready. However, most American couples wait six weeks. Ovulation and thus pregnancy can begin before a return to regular menses. ==See also==