Is it safe to have sexual intercourse during early pregnancy?
Disease description:
I just found out my wife is pregnant, and she is in the early stages of pregnancy. We are a bit conflicted about whether we can have sex during this time. On one hand, I am worried that sexual intercourse might affect the health of the fetus or be harmful to my wife's body; on the other hand, we also feel that intimacy is part of married life, and we're unsure how to manage this properly. Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor: is it okay to have sex during early pregnancy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Sexual intercourse is generally not recommended during the early stages of pregnancy.
During the early stages of pregnancy, the embryo has not yet firmly implanted, and the connection between the placenta and the uterine wall is still unstable. At this time, if sexual activity is too vigorous or exerts pressure on the pregnant woman's abdomen, it may easily trigger uterine contractions. These contractions could cause the embryo to detach from the uterine wall, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage.
In addition, after conception, a woman's immune system may weaken, and her vagina's natural defense mechanisms might also change. During sexual intercourse, if hygiene is not carefully maintained, pathogens such as bacteria can easily enter the vagina and travel upward to cause a uterine infection. This kind of infection not only affects the woman's own health but may also interfere with the normal development of the embryo.
Although not all instances of sexual intercourse during early pregnancy lead to adverse outcomes, to avoid unnecessary risks, it is best to avoid intercourse during the first three months of pregnancy. Both partners can wait until after the first trimester, when the fetus is relatively more stable, to resume sexual activity in a reasonable manner. During this time, both partners should maintain open communication to ensure the pregnant woman's physical condition and emotional well-being are adequately considered and respected. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is advised.
