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Is Sex Safe During the First Month of Pregnancy? Here's What You Should Know

by Shannon Evans

When you're trying to conceive, it's pretty hard not to obsess over eliminating every possible barrier, and for many women, that feeling of hyper-vigilance extends into the first half of pregnancy as well. Some women have been disturbed by rumors that having sex during the early stages of pregnancy can increase a risk of miscarriage, but is there any truth to it? Is sex safe during the first month of pregnancy, or is it best to abstain for awhile?

In a pregnancy sex article published by Parents magazine, Chicago-based OB-GYN Dr. Lauren Streicher said, "In a normal pregnancy, there's no reason to refrain from intercourse as long as you want it, and as long as it's comfortable. When you look at the data on miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss, there doesn't seem to be any connection."

And according to the American Pregnancy Association, your developing baby is quite safe in there: Your amniotic fluid, abdomen, and newly forming mucus plug all serve to protect him, so enjoying intercourse with your partner is perfectly safe. The exception is if you have a high risk pregnancy and your care provider has warned you that sex is off limits, but such restrictions are pretty rare.

Before hopping under the sheets, you should be aware that bleeding after intercourse in the first trimester is no cause for panic either. As Fit Pregnancy reported, post-coital bleeding is caused by normal swelling of the capillaries in the cervix, which can burst when irritated during sex. If you find yourself with a bit of spotting after a romantic romp, mention it to your healthcare provider at your next appointment, but don't let it freak you out.

Of course, some women are already feeling queasy, even in the first month. If your libido has gone out the window, don't fret — it will likely return in the second trimester. But if you do feel ready to get your groove on, it's perfectly safe to do so. And after all, what better way to celebrate your baby-on-the-way than doing the deed that got him there in the first place?