In this Article

• Introduction
• Body Changes
• Digestive Difficulties
• Stretch Marks and Other Skin Changes
• Sleeping Troubles
• Weight Gain
• Is it Safe to have Sex?
• When to Call the Doctor
• Pregnancy Basics Glossary
• Pregnancy Basics Index

Is it Safe to have Sex?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, sexual intercourse is safe throughout your pregnancy. For many women, pregnancy increases their sex drive. For others, it has the opposite effect. And almost all women need to try different positions when they start to get large bellies.

If you have problems during your pregnancy or have had miscarriages in the past your doctor may suggest you avoid sexual intercourse. Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems during or after sexual intercourse:

• pain in the vagina or abdomen
  
  
• bleeding from the vagina
  
  
• leaking of fluid from the vagina

When to Call the Doctor

When you are pregnant you should not hesitate to call your doctor or midwife is something is bothering or worrying you. Sometimes physical changes can be signs of a problem.

Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you:

• are bleeding or leaking fluid from the vagina
  
  
• have sudden or severe swelling in the face, hands, or fingers
  
  
• get severe or long-lasting headaches
  
  
• have discomfort, pain or cramping in the abdomen
  
  
• have a fever or chills
  
  
• are vomiting or have persistent nausea
  
  
• feel discomfort, pain or burning with urination
  
  
• have problems seeing or blurred vision
  
  
• feel dizzy
  
  
• sense a change in your baby's movement
  
  
• suspect your baby is moving less than normally after 28 weeks of pregnancy ( if you count less than 10 movements in 2 hours or less)

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, womenshealth.gov

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.
• Bacterial Vaginosis - Learn about bacterial vaginosis, an infection which symptoms include an odorous vaginal discharge. The vaginal odor may be fish like, and grey in color. Treatment is necessary with antibiotics.
• Amniocentesis - Learn about amniocentesis, a procedure that examines the chromosomes of the fetus to determine lung maturity, and the possiblities of birth defects.

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