Pain After Sex During Pregnancy

Intimacy during pregnancy has its nuances. Until now, couples have adhered to completely different tactics during pregnancy. Some refuse intimacy altogether, others minimize it and keep it as calm as possible, and others do not change their sexual habits. The strategy for sexual behavior can only be determined by the couple themselves, taking into account the doctor’s recommendations, but what to do if a woman experiences pain after sex during pregnancy? Is sex really safe during this delicate period, and what rules must be followed for the safety of the fetus?

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

For a long time, it was believed that making love during pregnancy was strictly prohibited. It was thought this could provoke premature birth, harm the baby, cause abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy, and result in other unfavorable consequences. 

Modern medicine has thoroughly studied this issue. Doctors unanimously agree that measured sex does not harm the baby or the mother. Here’s why:

1. The level of vibration experienced by the placenta during sex does not differ from the level of vibrations during walking.
2. Intimacy cannot provoke premature birth.
3. The baby is well protected in the mother’s womb, and their position completely eliminates the possibility of any physical injuries.

Despite the overall safety, activity can cause painful sensations. This may be related to various triggering factors. We will discuss them further.

Causes of Pulling Pain After Sex During Pregnancy

If you notice that intercourse leads to abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy, it is necessary to understand the causes. It’s best to do this in a doctor’s office, but before visiting a specialist, let’s try to outline the main causes of lower abdominal pain. 

1. Infectious diseases. Is your stomach pulling after sex? Pay attention to the symptoms of thrush (which often accompanies pregnant women due to hormonal changes in the body).
2. A common cause of pain is psychosomatics. The lower abdomen may pull due to the fear of harming the pregnancy. A woman emotionally closes off, which prevents her from relaxing physically.
3. During pregnancy, it’s necessary to use additional lubricants. The stomach often hurts after sex during pregnancy due to the uterus’s inability to produce the necessary amount of natural lubrication.
4. Muscle tone of the uterus can cause discomfort, up to unbearable pain.
5. Venous congestion: Irregular sexual activity, difficulty achieving orgasm, and prolonged abstinence, often during the early weeks of pregnancy. All of this leads to venous congestion, which causes abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy.

To avoid painful sensations, it is necessary to consider the features of sexual intercourse during each week of pregnancy.

Features of intimacy in different trimesters

Each trimester has its own characteristics. This concerns not only sexual activity but also the lifestyle as a whole. Let’s understand the specifics of each to avoid negative consequences:

1. The first trimester is characterized by a decrease in female libido. The body is fully adjusting to carrying the baby. Morning sickness, changes in figure, psychological stress—all negatively impact overall sexual activity and may cause abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy.
2. In the second trimester, a woman’s sexual activity increases. During this period, multiple orgasms and an irresistible attraction to the partner are possible. In the absence of contraindications, sex during this time is not only safe but even desirable. However, a woman may complain of abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy. In this case, a consultation with a gynecologist is advisable.
3. Sex in the third trimester is possible, but it requires caution. Firstly, it may cause the stimulation of labor. Secondly, it can lead to painful sensations. Thirdly, sex in late pregnancy generally brings discomfort to both partners due to the significantly enlarged belly.

Painful sensations are one of the contraindications for an active sex life until you consult a doctor. 

How to avoid painful sensations after intercourse?

To avoid abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy, you need to take a few simple steps. One of the most important is to find out the cause of the pain. This will help you build the right strategy and avoid negative consequences in subsequent acts.

Also, to prevent unpleasant situations, you can:

1. Use lubrication during intercourse. Choose a suitable product for both partners.
2. If you are wondering whether it is safe to have sex, it is worth consulting a doctor. A consultation will help you relax and gain emotional confidence in your actions.
3. Choose comfortable positions for making love. This is one of the most important factors for painless intercourse.

If you find it difficult to relax, consider using aromatherapy, spending time together over a tasty (but not heavy) dinner, turning on the lights, and playing some music. Anything that relaxes you helps avoid discomfort during intercourse.

Contraindications for having sex during pregnancy

However, sometimes no precautions will help you protect yourself and your baby. Some contraindications categorically impose a ban on physical contact.

1. If you experience abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy due to high uterine tone, it is better to refrain from sex for a while.
2. A significant prohibition is the threat of miscarriage.
3. It’s also not advisable to take risks with multiple pregnancies, especially in the first and third trimesters.
4. Rupture of the amniotic sac is a significant reason to postpone sex.
5. Bleeding.
6. If you experience abdominal pain after sex during pregnancy, before or during. Any sharp pain is a reason to delay activity and consult a doctor.
7. Contraindication – risk of premature cervical dilation.
8. Placenta previa.
9. If there is a leakage of amniotic fluid.

We hope we have clarified whether it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. The most important thing a woman should remember during pregnancy is the comfort of the expectant mother. Any activity, including sexual, should be comfortable and evoke only positive emotions.