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Chapter 11 - Sex in the First Trimester

from Section 2 - Specific Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2022

By
Kirsten M. Niles
Edited by
Dan Farine  and
Pablo Tobías González
Dan Farine
Affiliation:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Pablo Tobías González
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina de Parla, Madrid
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Summary

The first trimester of pregnancy covers a major transition period for pregnant individuals and their partners. Sexual satisfaction, including in pregnancy, is an important facet of a fulfilling relationship. The frequency of sexual activity decreases during the first trimester and is accompanied by increased sexual dysfunction, particularly once the pregnancy is identified. This may be secondary to physical factors such as fatigue and nausea and vomiting as well as a fear of miscarriage or harm to the pregnancy. Sexual activity in the first trimester has not been demonstrated to result in miscarriage, adverse obstetric outcomes, or fetal harm. Vaginal bleeding may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and therefore caution is advisable for vaginal intercourse in these cases. Obstetric care providers can support couples in early pregnancy by including discussions of the safety of sexual activity, expectations during pregnancy, and alternative mechanisms of intimacy as part of routine pregnancy care.

Keywords

first trimesterintercoursemiscarriagesexual activitypregnancy
Type
Chapter
Information
Sex and Pregnancy
From Evidence-Based Medicine to Dr Google
 , pp. 70 - 76
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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