Natnael Dechasa Gemeda Seminar presentation at Dire Dawa University on Safe, Nonjudgmental, and Informed Approaches to Sexual activity during pregnancy. Myths and truths about sex during pregnancy Pregnancy effect on sexual drive and life Appropriate sex positions during pregnancy When to avoid sex during pregnancy Benefits of having sex during pregnancy and When to resume sex after giving birth.

1. COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH
SCIENCES.
Title
Safe, nonjudgmental, and informed approach to
sexual activity during pregnancy.
*/from scientific perspectives/*
BY - NATNAEL D.(MSc)
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2. Welcome!
And Thanks for joining me!
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3. 02
03
01
Presentation outline ...
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Introduction
Objective
Myths & Truth
Pregnancy effect on sex
drive &life
Appropriate sex
positions.
08
05
04 When to avoid
07
A way forward
Benefits
06
06 When to resume sex
after giving birth.

4. Introduction
Most sexual problems during pregnancy are rooted in the couple’s
wrong attitudes, misconceptions and misunderstandings about the
physical and emotional changes during pregnancy.
SNGI approach to sexual activity during pregnancy promotes
acceptance of the normal functioning of bodies and emotions &
leads to a risk-free approach to highly pleasurable sexual practice.
However, there are a lot of uncertainties about safe sexual practice
during pregnancy that need clarification and that are even common
among health care professionals.
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5. Objectives of this seminar
 Address and clarify misperceptions about sexual activity during
pregnancy and answer common misunderstandings and
uncertainty, including those held by healthcare workers.
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6. Myths about sex and pregnancy
 Sex can be harmful or painful during pregnancy.
 Penetration harms the fetus.
 Sex during pregnancy can lead to pre-term labor
 The baby will know or feel the parents having sex.
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7. Truth
 The baby will not be affected by the penetration of a penis.
 Baby, has no idea what Mom and Dad are doing
 Studies did not find an association, between pre term labor & sex (in
normal px).
 Baby is well protected by a cushion of fluid in the womb.
 NB-Sex will not harm the baby at any stage during a typical,
uncomplicated pregnancy.
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9. Possible benefits..
 Better orgasms. Increased blood flow to the genitals increase
number of more powerful orgasms for pregnant women.
 A boost to the immune system. Sex increases IgA which is an
antibody that can keep her from a lot of infections .
 Bonding between partners. Some couples find that sexual
activity during pregnancy brings them closer together/help
them to stay closer/.
 Increased happiness. Orgasms release endorphins that can help
mother and baby feel happy and relaxed.
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11. When is sex unsafe during
pregnancy.
 Previous preterm birth/risk of../.
 Unexplained vaginal bleeding
 Leaking amniotic fluid
 Placenta previa
 Incompetent cervix
 History or risk of miscarriage.
 Pregnancy with twins
Women who have the above health complications should talk to
their health provider before engaging in sex:
NB- If her pregnancy is considered to be high risk, it may need more
cautiousness than other women.
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12. Effect of pregnancy on
sex life/drive/?
 Pregnancy affects people’s sex drives in different ways and
there is no typical response.
 In majority of women s boost of hormones and increased
blood flow to the genitals increase sex drive, particularly in
the second trimester.
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13. Details at each trimester
First trimester
 The first 3 months of pregnancy are often accompanied by
physical symptoms such as feeling tired, nauseated, soreness in
the breasts and the can make sex seem tiresome that can
lower their interest in sex.
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14. Second trimester
 Second trimester, the nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness
are much more manageable.
 Women blood volume increase , and most of that blood flow is
directed below the waist line.
 Their belly is growing but it's still small enough to comfortably
engage in sexual activity.
 Some women find the increased blood flow increases their
ability to have an orgasm even more than once.
NB-Majority of women even have more desire for sex than usual
or non pregnant state particularly in second tx!
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15. Third trimester
 Third trimester * Toward the end of pregnancy, growing
belly and the anticipation of childbirth and raising your
new baby mostly reduce women's interest in sex.
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16. Which appropriate sex positions during
pregnancy?
 Positions that work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy
can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later stages of the
baby's development.
 Woman should avoid lying flat on her back after the fourth
month of pregnancy.
 During the later stages of pregnancy, people should choose
positions that do not put pressure on the pregnant belly
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17. How soon can they have sex
after giving birth?
 All post partal mothers need time to heal and recover after
giving birth & should allow time for the body to recover,
postpartum bleeding to stop.
 Typically, it takes at least 4 weeks after delivery before a
woman feels comfortable ,& ready for sex physically &
Psychologically .
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18. Summary
 Sex will not harm the baby & mother at any stage during a typical, uncomplicated
pregnancy.
 The baby is protected by strong uterus muscles, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug
that develops around the cervix.
NB-Sex is normal activity during normal pregnancy.
Recommendation
Professional
 Providing sexual health services & counseling during pregnancy & post partum are
necessary at health clinics particularly during ANC visit.
Academician
 Awareness creation & research's …..
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19. Reference
1. Yoo H, Bartle-Haring S, Day R, et al. Couple communication, emotional and sexual intimacy,
and relationship satisfaction. J Sex Marital Ther 2014; 40(4): 275–293.
2. Efe H, Bozkurt M, Sahin L, et al. The effects of pregnancy on the sexual life of Turkish women.
Proc Obstet Gynecol 2014; 4(1): 5.
3. Trutnovsky G, Haas J, Lang U, et al. Women’s perception of sexuality during pregnancy and
after birth. J Obstet Gynaecol 2006; 46(4):282–287, doi: http://doi: 10.1111/j.1479-
828X.2006.00592.x
4. Vakilian K, Kheiri M, Majidi A. Effect of cognitive-behavioral sexual counseling on female sexual
function during pregnancy: an interventional study. IJWHR 2018; 6: 369–373, doi:
10.15296/ijwhr.2018.60.
5. DeJudicibus M, McCabe M. Psychological factors and the sexuality of pregnant and
postpartum women J Sex Res 2002; 39: 94–103, doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224490209552128.
6. Johnson C. Sexual health during pregnancy and the postpartum (CME). J Sex Med 2011; 8:
1267–1284, doi: http://dx.doi: 10.1111/j.1743-
.
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20. Thank you
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