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Pregnancy Today's Advisory Panel Answers:
How long is it okay to have intercourse?

by Shirley Moore
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Women's Health Specialists, Chicago
Shirley Moore

Question

Up to when is it okay to have intercourse? I am 38 weeks along and not considered at any risk, but is there a time we should stop? - Kerstin, Germany
Answer

Kerstin, if you have had a normal, healthy pregnancy, it is okay to continue to have intercourse until your bag of water breaks or until you start to have labor contractions.

Some believe that certain aspects of sexual relations can actually help to ripen or prepare the cervix for labor by contributing to increased production of prostaglandins.

If at any time intercourse is not comfortable, becomes unpleasant, causes pain, and or bleeding, you should stop and notify your health care provider.

This Week's Expert Q & A

Kathy Loebel, certified nurse-midwife, answers: “How can I avoid an episiotomy or tearing?"

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