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Childbirth/Pregnant and sex

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Expert: - 4/1/2009


Question
Well I'm not really sure if I'm pregnant or not yet, I find out the 15th. But I
have all the signs and I'm throwing up everything I eat or drink except for
water and crackers. But my question is this, if I'm pregnant should it hurt to
have sex?

Answer
Hi Kelly,

If you are pregnant, it does not harm the baby to have sex.
Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. However, early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.

Your developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Sexual activity won't affect your baby.

Sincerely,

Dorothy Haines, LCCE  

Childbirth

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Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

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