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Sex During Third Trimester - Making Love in Late Pregnancy
Making love is one of the most beautiful aspects of a relationship. But expecting parents, sometimes, let go of this for the safety of their baby. Here’s some good news for all parents-to-be - if you’ve had a safe and healthy pregnancy so far, then having sex during pregnancy with some essential precautions is safe.We advise that you seek your doctor’s advice before going ahead.
Sex During Late Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Yes, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe if you have a healthy pregnancy throughout. By using the recommended positions, sex can continue right until the last month of the pregnancy. It is recommended that you avoid anal sex during pregnancy as haemorrhoids can cause rectal bleeding and make sex uncomfortable and painful.
How Your Sex Life Changes in the Last Trimester
In the last trimester, your belly grows large and as a result, you might not find sex exciting. Other factors that can dampen the excitement during the last trimester are swollen feet, back pain, exhaustion, leaky breasts, varicose veins, swollen vagina, and pelvic pressure.
But if you wish to still go ahead and make love, then you can experiment with different positions. For instance, you can ask your partner to penetrate you from behind with both of you in the spoon position. As this requires minimal movement on your part, it is safer. Find out the positions you’re comfortable with before taking the plunge.
Benefits of Having Sex During the Third Trimester
Having sex during the third trimester has a lot of benefits such as:
Improved bonding between partners and intimacy is kept alive
Semen contains a certain hormone called prostaglandin which softens the cervix during sex and causes contractions
Women release a happy hormone called oxytocin during sex which helps in arousing contractions.
Orgasms strengthen the pelvis and prepare the body for pregnancy
As long as your water doesn’t break, it is beneficial as well as safe to have sex in the last trimester.
When Should You Avoid Sex During the Third Trimester?
Consult your doctor before you indulge in sex during pregnancy. Be aware of the status of your pregnancy and ask the doctor whether you should stay away from sex. If you suffer from the following conditions, the doctor may advise refraining from sex in the third trimester.
If you suffer from placenta praevia, the placenta is in the anterior spot of the baby’s head and sex may cause bleeding in the placenta and, in turn, may harm the baby.
If your water breaks prematurely, then the mucus plug that protects your cervix will also get dislodged, exposing both you and your baby to a lot of infections. To avoid any sexually transmitted diseases, you may have to do away with sex during the final stages of pregnancy.
If you’ve undergone premature labour in the past, your doctor will counsel you to refrain from lovemaking during the last trimester. This is because the hormones released during sex may put you in danger of premature labour
Also, if you are expecting twins or multiples, you will be advised against sex in the last trimester. Twins usually arrive early and sex may cause the twins to be delivered prematurely.
Can Sex During These Months Harm You and Your Baby?
Sex during the third trimester does not harm the foetus. Your baby is securely placed in the amniotic sac that puts it out of harm’s way. The mucus plug around the cervix protects your baby from infections. So, you don’t have to worry about her safety.
However, women feel uncomfortable having sex during the third trimester for various reasons. One of the reasons is that the baby’s head may drop down during the last trimester and cause a certain amount of discomfort and pressure during intercourse.
Also, the hormones secreted by both partners during sex can cause the muscles to contract to induce labour. Hence, a woman with a history of premature delivery will be advised against sex during the last trimester.
Orgasms during the last three months may cause Braxton Hicks contractions. During these contractions, your womb and the baby bump become hard. This lasts for sometime but does not pose a threat to your health.
Recommended Sex Positions
As the uterus grows bigger in the last trimester of pregnancy, some positions become uncomfortable and difficult to perform. Here are a few sex positions that you may want to try during the third trimester pregnancy for safe and comfortable intercourse.
The spoon position is a cosy and comfortable position for your growing belly. You lie on your side your partner enters you from behind.
You on top of your partner is a very comfortable position during late pregnancy. You can control the pace as per your comfort. Just ensure that your partner doesn’t penetrate you too deeply.
The edge of the bed position is also recommended during late pregnancy. Lie down on the edge of the bed with your feet on the floor. Your partner can stand or bend over to enter you. Just be careful to tell your partner how slow and gentle you want him to be.
If you are uncomfortable with penetration, you both can always opt for oral sex or mutual masturbation.
Sex Positions to Avoid
Generally, no position is unsafe at any stage of pregnancy, except for the missionary which requires you to lie down on your back. Whatever position you opt for, talk to your partner and avoid deep penetration as it may not only make you uncomfortable but also cause bleeding.
During oral sex too, you must take care that your partner does not force air into your vagina as it may block a blood vessel, making it dangerous for both you and your baby.
Does Sex During the Third Trimester Induce Labour?
Intercourse during the third trimester can initiate labour pain if your cervix and uterus are ready. But if the cervix is not ready, then sex may not do this. If you don’t experience labour pain even after the 42nd week of your pregnancy, avoid making love.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to have penetrative sex with my husband. I’m currently in my third trimester of pregnancy. Will penetration poke my baby?
The answer is – no. Penetration doesn’t affect the baby as she is safe and snug in her sac, which doesn’t allow everything to pass through. Yes, the uterus will move around a bit, but that’s normal. Unless you’ve been instructed pelvic rest, sex is okay during these months.
I’ve been told that sex during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. Is this true?
Absolutely not! Miscarriages are, more often than not, caused due to abnormal development of the foetus rather than making love during pregnancy. It also doesn’t induce early labour in a low-risk pregnancy. So, if you’ve had a healthy pregnancy till now, you can safely go ahead and get cosy under the sheets.
My partner penetrated me last night and I noticed bleeding. I’ve been carrying my lil’ one for eight months now. I’m really worried. Please help!
Pregnancy makes a woman’s body and her sexual organs very sensitive. So, you might have spotting after sex and for a few days after. This might have happened due to your cervix getting irritated. It’s best to go for a check-up if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Sex during pregnancy is not only safe, but may also be recommended. Besides the physical benefits it offers, it also strengthens your relationship with your spouse who may be finding it hard to adapt to the changes.
Also Read: Sex Drive While Pregnant Read more
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IVF: Side-Effects and Risks
IVF or In vitro fertilization is a very specialized procedure in which the female eggs or ova are removed from the female reproductive system and then the eggs are fertilized by the sperm under laboratory-controlled conditions in a culture dish. The name of the procedure is In vitro fertilization because the fertilization occurs ‘in-vitro’ glass.
There are several side-effects and risks involved with In vitro fertilization (IVF). Some of them are discussed in the below section.
Side-Effects and Risks Associated with IVF Treatment
Some of the side-effects and risks related to IVF treatment are as follows:
1. Multiple Births
If more than one embryo is implanted in the uterine wall, IVF upsurges your probability of multiple births. This can result in the onset of preterm or early labour and birth of low-weight babies. More than three embryos should not be implanted to the uterus to avoid the chances of multiple pregnancies.
2. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)
Mothers who have undergone In Vitro Fertilization procedure are known to have high blood pressure (generally above 130/90 mm of Hg).
3. Reaction to Fertility Drugs
Many women complain about nausea, hot flushes, breast tenderness, insomnia, mood swings, and irritability. Some of the other IVF medication side effects are abdominal discomfort, vomiting or bloating. Consult your healthcare provider for aid. Painkillers like paracetamol can be taken to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Heavy Bleeding
Heavy uterine bleeding is also observed in mothers after attachment of IVF embryo.
5. Need of C-Section for Childbirth
Usually, C-section has to be done after the end of term so that any IVF risks to mother related to normal delivery can be avoided.
6. Anaemia
This is the result of heavy uterine bleeding in some mothers. Blood transfusion becomes highly important to save the life of the woman in case of severe anaemia
7. Preterm Delivery and Low Birth Weight
According to various studies, the probability of preterm delivery of babies and low birth weight babies are higher with IVF.
8. Miscarriage
Miscarriages or abortions are very frequent with IVF as the embryo is fertilized in a laboratory under controlled conditions and do not undergo the normal procedure, the uterus often declines to implant the embryo. The frequency and rate of miscarriages increase with increasing age of the mothers and use of a frozen embryo.
9. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
In In-Vitro Fertilization, fertility enhancing drugs like injectable HCG (human chorionic gonadotropins) are utilized for improving the chances of ovulation. There are some IVF injections side effects. The Human Chorionic Gonadotropins results in swollen and painful ovaries (the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). The signs and symptoms of hyperstimulation syndrome are bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, discomfort and diarrhoea. The severe case of Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is accompanied by sudden weight gain and breath shortness.
10. Complications Associated with the Egg-Retrieval Procedure
Ovums or reproductive eggs are retrieved from the ovaries with the help of aspiration needle which can lead to bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel, urinary bladder, or blood vessels.
11. Birth Defects
There are some IVF risks to the baby. Babies born by IVF procedure are more prone to developing congenital birth defects according to some experts. However, some experts also believe that the age of the mother is the primary risk factor related to birth defects and not the IVF procedure.
12. Ectopic pregnancy
It is a fatal situation in which an embryo starts developing inside the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. Even if the IVF procedure implants the embryos to the uterine wall in the uterus, in some cases ectopic pregnancy might still occur. How Ectopic pregnancy exactly happens is not well understood, but it is more common in women who have undergone some damage in the fallopian tubes. This is a severe problem. An ectopic pregnancy can result in abdominal pain, the unusual rise in pregnancy hormones and vaginal bleeding.
13. Diarrhoea and Nausea
Some hormonal tablets incorporated inside the vagina during the IVF procedure can result in diarrhoea and nausea. The hormonal injections are very painful; hence bruising can occur. To reduce swelling and pain, you can perform cold compress on the injection site.
14.Ovarian Cancer
This is one of the most dangerous IVF side effects in mothers. Some experts believe the notion that there might be some co-relation between drugs/medicines used for stimulation of egg in IVF and development of some certain type of tumour in the ovaries. But this point is still not proved by research.
15. Psychological/Emotional Toll
Undergoing the IVF procedure is highly emotional, stressful and physically demanding experience. The ups and downs of emotions, the occasional visits to the clinic, the high levels of hormones and all the pressure of undergoing invasive procedures and taking care of medication protocols; all of it takes a toll. Fertility treatment can push mothers to their far limits, and the process can easily cause problems in relationships, especially at a time you need emotional support to sail through. Garnering sufficient support from relatives, friends, and professionals is very essential.
16. Stress
IVF is generally an expensive procedure. It affects you physically as well as emotionally. Psychological support from spouse, counsellors and friends can reduce your apprehensions and tension because of the procedure.
17. Hot Flashes
Hormones are known as the chemical messengers of the human body. They carry signals from one part of the body to the other. Alterations in hormone levels might change how your body perceives temperature, resulting in sudden hot flashes. You might also figure that you grow winded more easily or that you are more sensitive to heat.
18. Headaches
Some mothers experience severe headaches after drug injections during IVF procedure, specifically in the time period immediately after an injection. If you have headaches related to your menstrual cycle, this might mean that you are more prone to hormonal shifts, and hence more prone to headaches induced by IVF as well.
19. Anxiety
As we already know that physical infertility can induce anxiety. The In Vitro Fertilization can also induce anxiety, as regular doctor's appointments and injections continuously redirect your mind towards your fertility problem. You might feel anxious about issues like your inability to get pregnant or the effects of treatment.
20. Changes in Mood
The drugs taken during the IVF procedure stimulate your ovaries to make multiple eggs, hence upsurging the probability of you getting pregnant with each cycle. Though the multiple drugs that you intake will depend on your fertility issues, oestrogen is mostly a part of the drugs. High dosage of oestrogen may cause frequent mood swings or depression. If you undergo more than one IVF cycles, you might find that you experience less frequent mood changes with the second cycle.
IVF is a boon for many parents who have trouble conceiving for different fertility related issues. It gives them a chance to realize their dream of having a child and a family. While IVF is generally safe and is highly recommended by specialists, it also comes with a few caveats that are worth considering. Ensure that you discuss and understand the side-effects and risks of in vitro fertilization with your doctor before you undergo the procedure. It is highly imperative for you to make a wise decision and know about the risks and side-effects of IVF procedure. This can help you prevent any complications and have a successful procedure without worries.
Also Read:
IVF Success Tips
Twin Pregnancy With IVF
In Vitro Maturation Read more
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Ear Popping in Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Ear infections may arise for several reasons when you are expecting a child. Pregnant women may have a higher chance of getting an ear infection than nonpregnant women. If anything like this happens to you, don't get too worked up about it.
If you get an infection while pregnant, though, you should see your doctor. Ignoring ear infections might be harmful to your health and that of your growing kid if they remain unaddressed. Keep reading about ears popping while pregnant to know more.
What Is Ears Popping?
Ear popping is the term used to describe the sensation of hearing muted sounds due to changes in air pressure. You may have Eustachian tube dysfunction, which is causing your popping ears (ETD). Another option is that your ear has been clogged with wax and has to be cleaned out. Ear barotrauma (also known as barotitis medium) is the medical term for the condition that causes ears to pop.
Why and How Does Ears Popping Happen?
The air pressure in and out of the ear is usually the same unless something unusual happens. The ear canal can become inflamed and inaccessible if the Eustachian tube becomes plugged. Its principal role is to balance the air pressure within the middle ear and its pressure.
The Eustachian tube, on the other hand, may get clogged for several reasons. When this happens, there will be no equalization of air pressure in the Eustachian tube. Popping noises are caused by a difference in air pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, which occurs in the middle ear.
What Causes Ears Popping During Pregnancy?
In general, being pregnant makes you more susceptible to diseases. Changes in your ear, nose, and throat that may occur during pregnancy may increase your chances of acquiring an ear infection, in particular, if you have a cold or flu. A bacterial ear infection may occur due to a condition of either the bacterial or viral kind.
Some of the common problems of ear-popping during pregnancy that may increase the risk of this occurring include:
Hormonal Changes: Increased estrogen and progesterone levels are seen during pregnancy. These hormones may affect your body's immune system, making you more susceptible to sickness caused by bacteria and viruses than usual. Right now, it is not clear how hormones and viruses are linked in a precise manner.
Increase in Blood Flow: As blood flow rises in your body, more fluid is retained in the body. Furthermore, as a result of this, there may be further implications. For example, you may have noticed that your nose gets swollen and congested when pregnant. If you have a lot of fluid in your nose and sinus, you may be more prone to getting an ear infection during your pregnancy.
Vertigo and Dizziness: These are also possible due to changes in the ear that occur during pregnancy.
Meniere's disease: A prior condition such as Meniere's disease may influence your hearing and balance when you are pregnant.
Seasonal allergies, colds, and flu: Seasonal allergies and diseases increase the likelihood of ear and other infections, but notably in children.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Popping During Pregnancy
An inner ear infection or damage may result in the following ears popping early pregnancy signs and symptoms:
Ringing in the Ears: The sound of the high-pitched ringing sound. This is the tinnitus sound that is most frequently experienced. Loud noises exposures, loss of hearing, and some drugs are all possible reasons.
Ear Infections: If you have an ear infection, it is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection that infects your middle ears (the parts of your ear that are immediately beyond the diaphragm).
Inflammation of the Ears: Otitis Externa is a disorder that causes inflammation of the outer ear canal (redness and swelling), the tube that connects the cochlea to the eardrum.
Discomfort around the Ears: Flu, allergens, or a sinus infection may all cause the tubes in your middle ear to become clogged and ineffective. Otitis media is used when fluid builds up in the middle of the throat and becomes infected. It is by far the most prevalent reason for ear discomfort.
Hearing Loss: A hearing loss may occur when any portion of the ear or auditory (hearing) function does not function in the manner that it is supposed to.
Redness and swelling of the ear canal: Your ear, surrounding the cartilage, will be inflamed, reddish, and sensitive to the touch.
How to Manage and Treat Ears Popping During Pregnancy?
You may also choose to supplement your ear popping treatment with other options for managing the same. For safe ears popping when pregnant, these pointers need to be carefully considered:
Depending on whether you have ear wax or water lodged in your ears, a simple cleaning with an earbud may be all that is required.
Decongestants for the nose
Oral medications
Inhaling steam may assist in easing any popping sounds you may be experiencing as a result of sinus infection or allergies.
Applying heat packs to your ears might help to ease the pain and suffering associated with this condition.
It is also possible that yawning or chewing gum will prevent you from experiencing popping sounds in your Eustachian tube if you have to travel during your pregnancy.
Home Remedies to Treat Ears Popping During Pregnancy
Treatment with home remedies may effectively alleviate ear-popping symptoms. For earaches, the following are some examples of home remedies to try:
Ear Drops: These are made from ruby alcohol, and vinegar are available (do not take this cure if you have additional concerns with your ears, such as damage to the canal)
Warm Compress: A hot water bottle or towel with herbal drops in it may be used in place of the traditional compresses to relieve the discomfort (clear this with an OB during pregnancy)
Steam: Inhaling steam is one of the quickest and most effective ways to remove plugged ears caused by a cold. The steam will aid in loosening and thinning the mucus, which will relieve your ear congestion and relieve your discomfort.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Using hydrogen peroxide, which is quite successful. Using a dropper, gently inject three percent hydrogen peroxide into the infected ear.
Olive Oil: It is possible to apply a few drops of olive oil to the ear and leave it there for five to ten minutes. While keeping your head swiveling to the side, you may use cotton to remove any oil or earwax accumulated in your ears.
According to specialists, ear-popping associated with pregnancy is considered more annoyance than a cause for alarm. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing popping sounds in your ear to rule out any serious problems. Avoid using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat ear infections, and never puncture your ears with a sharp object. Did you have ear popping when you were expecting a child? What process did you use to come up with a solution? Please keep these above-discussed points in mind to help you have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Also Read:
Climbing Stairs while Pregnant
Benefits of Laughing in Pregnancy
Nosebleeds while Pregnant Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. Hi,
I delivered my baby through c section on 12th March 2024. My bleeding stopped post that after 15 days. But I observed light spotting yesterday. Is that something serious and what could be the reason?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. ok upto six weeks. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
6 hours ago
Q. Hello..
I am 9 month pregnant.. I want to know I have to pack in hospital bag ?
please answer
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. hello you can carry the basic things like baby clothes and skin care product like babyhug and also you should carry diaper for the baby to use initially which all would be of help and you can also carry quick dry which also would be of help too
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
4 hours ago
Q. hello good afternoon ma'am, Mera 1st trimester khtm ho gya h ,4th month chal raha hai actually mjhe kch dino se bhuk ni lgti h ,khana dkh k Mann ni krta h khane ka toh mai aap kch solution btaye
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. hello it s normal during the pregnancy and it is absolutely nothing to worry and try to have small meal frequently and avoid taking a large meal at a time which can help you and any concern you can talk with you doctor she can guide you accordingly
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Mom of a 8 m old child
3 hours ago
Q. mera baby 10 month ka ho gya h abi tk khada ni ho para kya jru
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Babies start to stand between the age of 9 months to thirteen months. Please wait for sometime before consulting a doctor. Please give semi solid food items like banana and mashed potatoes and mashed apples to the baby. Also give suji kheer and daal paani to the baby. Continue giving formula milk to the baby. You can also give mashed idli to the baby. Masaage baby legs with BabyHug coconut oil.
Thanks and take care
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. assembly job vacancy in firstcry store
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. hello dear this u need to ask them personally on call ot u can mail them as it is a parenting app so u can't right guidance on this here
Prachi Agrawal has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Hello doctor,
my son is 2.5 months old and completely on breastfeeding. He hasn't pooped since three days. please advise
Prachi Agrawal
Mom of a 1 yr 6 m old girl
9 mins ago
A. After two months of age, babies may have constipation problem which is not concerning until they are showing any abnormal signs.
It may last upto 10 days too. Keep a check on baby's activity and feeding, till the time that is all fine, no worries.
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