There's a lot to consider when it comes to sex during pregnancy. It's no longer just about enjoying orgasms or connecting with your partner, but also about how to do so safely and comfortably. Along with the obvious emotional and physical pains associated with growing a human being inside your body, positions change, comfort levels definitely evolve, and, for some, pregnant women are left wondering how a tipped uterus affects pregnancy sex. For better or worse, a tipped uterus is actually quite common, so at least you know you're not alone with your concerns.
For those who don't know and/or haven't been diagnosed with a tipped, tilted, or retroverted uterus by their medical practitioner, the American Pregnancy Association (APA) defines a tipped uterus as a uterus that's "tipped backwards toward the back of the pelvis." The APA goes on to explain that the "uterus is normally in a straight vertical position." Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., OB-GYN, and clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine, told Women's Health that an estimated 30 percent of women have what's considered a tipped, tilted, or retroverted uterus. That number could be higher, though, as it's hard to know if you have a tipped unless your doctor discovers the abnormality through an exam.
Paul Joannides, Psy.D., research psychoanalyst, and author of Guide To Getting It On, states that in the case of a tilted uterus, sex position definitely matters. Where tried-and-true sex positions probably worked before pregnancy, it may be time to change things up when you're having sex while pregnant, especially if you want to avoid any added discomfort or pain.
The APA says that between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy, the a tipped uterus shouldn't be tilted in the wrong direction any longer. This is because the fetus' continued growth forces the uterus into a straight, vertical position. That means, regardless of what it may do for your sex life, labor and delivery shouldn't have any unforeseen difficulties due to your uterus.
The APA does add that, although it is rare, if the uterus doesn't move to a "middle position," there's a risk of miscarriage. No reason to worry about that, though, because for the most part, it seems as though having a tilted uterus doesn't really affect much — including pregnancy sex (aside from the previously mentioned discomfort that may subside after the first trimester). As long as you and your partner are open to trying new ways of doing the deed throughout the pregnancy, you should find a sex position that works for you and your comfort levels.
Women's Health also adds that because the uterus is a flexible organ, whether it's tipped or not doesn't matter when it comes to sex. Unless there's severe pain or bleeding (or other obvious symptoms), there isn't need for concern. By trading your usual sex routine for something different, and more comfortable, it be as enjoyable (if not more so) than the sex you were having pre-pregnancy.
