Pregnancy Sex Myths that Couldn't be More Wrong

Even as a woman who has never been pregnant, I have been exposed to a multitude of BS about pregnancy sex. I've heard of guys who won't have sex with their pregnant partners because they think their penis is going to "poke the baby on the head". A) don't flatter yourselves and B) did you totally skip human biology or...? All this nonsense must make it pretty confusing for pregnant woman who may want to have sex.

Don't worry, sex can't hurt the baby

Midwife and hypnobirthing expert, Anthonissa Moger, explains the nine most common myths she hears about sex during pregnancy (and why they're all totally wrong).

1. "You shouldn't have sex as it can hurt the baby"

Ok, let us put this one to bed for good. Having sex can NOT hurt the baby, regardless of whether you are four or 40 weeks pregnant. Your cervix is closed and baby is safe and cosy in there. Of course, for a very small percentage of women, their doctor will advise against sex for a medical reason. But if you are having a healthy normal pregnancy, enjoy!

2. "Some sexual positions must be avoided"

What feels good will probably change as you get bigger during pregnancy, but let your body guide you. For most women missionary starts to get uncomfortable, so get creative!

3. "The baby can see your partner's penis and will know"

Absolutely not! The baby is surrounded by a bag of waters in your womb in the dark. It is impossible for them to see anything and they certainly won't remember a thing.

4. "You should have sex while you're pregnant to keep your partner interested"

Come on, you know better than this one. You should only ever do what feels right for your body.

5. "You'll lose your sex drive"

Actually for many women their sex drive increases during pregnancy. Some women feel their strongest sex drive during pregnancy and have their most enjoyable orgasms, and this is completely normal.

6. "Your sex drive will increase"

Not necessarily. For other women their sex drive will go down. Confusing, right? There really are no rules as everyone is unique.

7. "Oral sex is out"

Actually oral sex can be a great option if you don't feel like having penetrative sex. It can help you feel connected to your partner and more relaxed. However it is not advised for them to blow air forcefully into your vagina during pregnancy, as this can cause a rare and dangerous air embolism.

8. "Having an orgasm can cause a miscarriage"

No. No. No. No. You may experience some light muscle cramps or tightenings in your tummy after having an orgasm, but these are nothing like labour contractions.

9. "Having sex will bring on labour"

Ok, well this one can be true, but it's not something to worry about. It only works if you are at the end of your pregnancy or overdue. There are small amounts of prostaglandins in sperm which can help your cervix to open, the motion is believed to encourage labour AND having an orgasm releases a large surge of oxytocin which is the number one hormone needed for contractions. Clever stuff, but at 40 weeks, sex isn't often the number one thing on your mind.

By Paisley Gilmour