Pregnancy and Intimacy: Midwife Outlines Hidden Risks and Crucial Safety Guidelines for Expectant Couples

Despite the general safety of sexual activity during gestation, certain critical risks demand strict caution. Foremost among these is the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Midwife Halimat Jimoh warns that contracting an STI during pregnancy can have devastating consequences, including premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and congenital infections passed to the newborn during delivery. Consequently, barrier methods such as condoms remain essential if there is any uncertainty regarding a partner's infection status.

Another area requiring specialized caution is oral sex. While generally considered safe, Jimoh highlights a rare but severe medical risk: partners must never blow air into the vagina during oral sex. Doing so can cause a life-threatening air embolism, where a bubble of air enters the maternal circulation and blocks crucial blood vessels, posing an immediate danger to both the mother and the fetus.

Furthermore, there are specific clinical conditions where complete sexual abstinence is medically mandated. According to reports, women diagnosed with placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix), cervical incompetence, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or those with a history of recurrent preterm labor must refrain from sexual intercourse. Todaynews.ng advises expectant couples to prioritize open discussions with their obstetricians or midwives during prenatal visits to ensure a safe, healthy, and informed pregnancy journey.