Tag: pregnancy tips

Infinite Possibilities

Pregnancy is time of infinite possibilities. There is an incredible sense of excitement, anxiety and anticipation about the future baby (or babies!) who will arrive and what a woman will be like as a Mother. More importantly, pregnancy is a time of inquiry, exploration, and discovery as women begin to learn more about their bodies, abilities, and potential. Pregnancy, then, is a time to learn and develop new habits and skills to promote health and well-being both during pregnancy and for the future.

The internet and the availability of information has been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there are reputable sources available on the internet that provide factual information for women who seek answers to questions about health or pregnancy. The reputable sources, however, are few. There is too much inaccurate information available from sources who are neither reputable nor experienced. Further, there is minimal surveillance or monitoring of what is posted or by whom. A majority of the information, then, is either based on personal experience, folklore, myth, or inaccurate information that is repeated through different sources.

Photo by William Stitt on Unsplash

As a nurse midwife, I have spent countless hours listening to, and being with, women. I have heard their questions and provided them with answers that helped to make informed decisions about their pregnancies, care, or health choices. My intent is to do the same here: provide the most up to date information about nutrition, health issues, or trends surrounding pregnancy and women’s general well-being. My goal is to empower women with information to make informed choices and provide them tools or resources to develop healthy lifestyle habits that will stay with them far past pregnancy. Ultimately, I strive to create a culture of  informed women who share healthy lifestyle choices with their children, families and other women.

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This site is not just for pregnant women. I welcome men, teens, non-pregnant women, the families, friends and coworkers of pregnant women or women seeking to become pregnant to review my content and ask questions. It “takes a village” to raise a child but I believe it takes a network of friends and family to support and encourage women to rise to their full potential. One of the most powerful ways to empower women, then, is with information and education.

There are a host of websites, blogs, links, and resources available for pregnant women. What sets me apart from the others is that I come from a clinical and scientific background. I have been a nurse for close to three decades and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) for almost two decades. I have worked in diverse settings and had the privilege to meet, care for, and interact with the most dynamic, interesting, and insightful women. Possessing a PhD in nursing, I am a scientist at heart. I have a voracious appetite for research- both performing it and evaluating it.  I get excited by innovations and advances in science, medicine, nursing, and midwifery. Moreover, I have learned how to take the most complex scientific data and explain it in a way that is concise and understandable. Research and scientific advances are only valuable if they make sense to, and are applied within, the population it is intended for.

I made a promise to the women who allowed me into their most intimate moments physically, emotionally and spiritually: to honor those precious interactions by sharing what I learned from each of them with other women or families who would benefit from the lessons that, together, we co-created. I make a similar promise here: To empower women and the significant people in their worlds with the most accurate, current information that will promote health, wellness, informed choices, and safety during the prenatal period and beyond. Join me on this journey. The possibilities are endless!

~Paul Quinn, PhD, CNM Prenatal Possibilities

All views expressed on this site are wholly owned by Paul Quinn. The information on this site do not represent the opinions of any associated entity or organization. Readers are encouraged to consult their physicians and medical professionals in all healthcare matters.

© 2017 Dr. Paul Quinn, Prenatal Possibilities, all rights reserved

Paul Quinn, PhD, CNM -Prenatal Possibilities1 Comment

Sex During Pregnancy

This question arises frequently: Can I have sex while I’m pregnant? The answer, most times, is yes. In fact, sexual desire during pregnancy often increases because of the various physical and emotional changes that women go through. Typically, there is increased blood flow to the pelvis that makes the genital area more sensitive to touch, making sex more enjoyable. The breasts, too, become larger and more sensitive.

Will Sex Hurt the Baby?

Women, and their partners, often worry that the baby might be injured during sexual activity. But fortunately, the baby is well-protected during sex. The cervix is closed and blocks any harmful pathogens from reaching the baby. The uterus itself is a protective muscle that holds the baby, and within the uterus the baby is contained within the amniotic sac surrounded by amniotic fluid. Since the baby is protected, it is generally safe to engage in masturbation and oral, vaginal or anal sex throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy.

Will Sex Induce Labor?

Sex also does not cause labor to happen. However, especially in the third trimester, a woman may experience some cramping or contractions immediately after sex or during orgasm. With orgasm, oxytocin is released which can cause the uterus to contract. Male semen, similarly, contains prostaglandins which may also cause contractions.  Contractions from sex will typically go away in 1 to 2 hours. If they continue or become stronger, notify your obstetrician or midwife.

There is also a chance for slight bleeding or spotting. There are many small blood vessels in the cervix that can leak when touched, especially during sex. It’s normal to have mild spotting for 24 to 48 hours after sex; heavy bleeding, or bleeding that resembles a period or continues past 48 hours is not normal. A woman should, again, contact her obstetrician or midwife if this type of bleeding occurs.

When Not to Have Sex

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Photo by Andrea Bertozzini 

When your obstetrician or midwife advises you not to. The presence of certain conditions would make sexual activity or intercourse too risky. Specifically, if a woman is leaking amniotic fluid, or has an episode of preterm labor or vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting or a condition like placenta previa (i.e. where the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening), sex is discouraged.  Additionally, the presence of herpes lesions in either you or your partner’s mouth or genitals would also warrant sex being avoided. Pregnant woman are susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so condoms or other barrier methods should be used.

When you aren’t in the mood or are truly uncomfortable. A woman’s growing abdomen and other body changes can make sex uncomfortable. I advise women to talk with their partners and be honest about how they feel. If a woman is not in the mood for sex, she should avoid it. However, some of the discomforts can be minimized to keep sex enjoyable. For example, the use of lubricants (especially water-based varieties) will prevent injury and maintain comfort. A woman may also need to try different positions such as lying on her side, mounting her partner, or on her hands and knees to maintain comfort and not tire easily.

What about after delivery?

After delivery, most women can resume sex after her postpartum bleeding has stopped and any lacerations or injury from delivery have fully healed. Each woman is different and women heal at different rates. Your obstetrician or midwife will be let you know when sex can resume. However, other forms of intimacy that do not involve vaginal or anal intercourse can continue to be practiced.  When you do have sex, take it slow and do what feels right. Lubricants will help minimize injury. Fertility may have resumed, so consider some form of birth control (e.g. condoms or hormonal contraception) to avoid getting pregnant again immediately .

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