Expecting couples may find they question the safety of pregnant sex as the pregnant woman begins to show. The fetus is protected in the womb and pregnant sex is generally considered safe up until the date when baby is born. There are plenty of myths out there surrounding pregnant sex and even a few truths that couples may not know.

Myth: Pregnant sex causes an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

There is no link between pregnant sex and miscarriage or premature birth. The fetus is safely growing in the womb which is protected by abdominal muscles, amniotic fluid and the bones of the pelvis. When pregnancy occurs, the walls of the uterus thicken providing even more protection for the fetus.

Myth: The penis will hit the fetus during pregnant sex and cause injury or pain.

The penis does not hit the fetus during pregnant sex. The cervix is closed so there is also no way the penis can rupture the bag of waters.

Myth: Pregnant women cannot contract sexually transmitted diseases during pregnant sex.

Pregnancy does not stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases during pregnant sex. Condoms should be worn at all times if there is any concern about a partner having a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STDs can cause infection and illness that may affect the health of the fetus.

Myth: Anal sex is a safe form of pregnant sex.

Anal sex is not a good idea during pregnancy, an it's not necessarily safer than vaginal sex. Caution should be taken during intercourse to prevent passing bacteria from the anus to the vagina. This could cause an infection that could harm the fetus.

Myth: There are no dangers with oral pregnant sex.

Oral sex is generally considered a safe form of pregnant sex. There is one danger, however, that is associated with oral sex. Partners should not blow air into the vagina during oral sex. The air can cause a vaginal embolism which could be life threatening.

Truth: Pregnant sex improves mood and sleep patterns.

Having sex during pregnancy has been shown to relieve tension and stress and help a pregnant woman sleep better at night. The intimacy may also help a pregnant woman better accept her body changes.

Truth: Pregnant sex is good for labor

Studies have shown that women who have pregnant sex have shorther and better labor.

Truth: Sex is safe throughout the third trimester.

Women can participate in pregnant sex until the bag of waters breaks, in most cases. The muscles of the vagina actually grow larger during the last trimester of pregnancy which could increase pleasure during intercourse. Late pregnant sex delivered prostaglandins to the cervix via semen deposits. Prostaglandins help to soften the cervix making labor progress faster for some women.

Truth: Vaginal lubrication increases during pregnancy.

Many women find they experience greater pleasure during pregnant sex because of increased, natural lubrication. The female body lubricates the vagina for easier movement of the fetus through the birth canal during childbirth.

Truth: There are certain conditions where pregnant sex is not advised

Sex during pregnancy may not be safe for women with a history of:

• repeated miscarriages,
• preterm labor,
• vaginal bleeding,
• incompetent cervix
• placenta previa
• premature rupture of membranes (PROM)