How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts
How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments
Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy.
Self Improved
Being pregnant doesn't have to put a pause on your sex life.
Sure, it may change your sex drive or comfort levels. But from a health and safety perspective, the good news is that "most people can safely have sex while pregnant," says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)."
For the record, health experts say it's completely normal if you or your partner don't feel like having sex while pregnant, for any reason. The key is keeping an open dialogue about how you're feeling, and any worries about how the current pregnancy could impact your sex life as a couple.
But if you are interested in learning the dos and don'ts of having sex while pregnant, Tang is answering your FAQs.
'Pregnancy nose' videos go viral. Here's the problem with the trend.
Can you have sex during pregnancy?
In most cases, there's no need to worry about vaginal penetration, sperm or orgasms hurting a "normally-developing pregnancy," she adds. The uterine muscles and amniotic fluid are there to protect the baby, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But there are certain cases in which a doctor might suggest putting a pause on bedroom activity. Conditions that might lead an OB/GYN to recommend against having sex, according to Tang, include an early cervical dilation or weakening, concern about risk of uterine infection, placenta covering the opening of the cervix, a history of early labor, leaking amniotic fluid or experiencing vaginal bleeding.
Folate is crucial for prenatal care. But it could also prolong your life.
When to stop sex during pregnancy
As long as your doctor has said you don't have any of the aforementioned conditions that could make sex during pregnancy unsafe, you're fine to have sex throughout your pregnancy, experts say.
Ultimately, pregnancy sex should be discussed on a personal basis with your doctor, who can offer guidance depending on your unique situation, Tang says.
Condoms obviously aren't needed to prevent pregnancy if you already are pregnant, but the Mayo Clinic notes that condom usage is vital if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, or if either of you have sex with a new partner while pregnant, as an STI can cause serious health issues for you and the baby.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them
Cavities are incredibly common, affecting 90% of adults between the ages of 19 and 64 — but they are often preventable. Also known as "dental caries," cavities are damaged areas in the hard parts of the teeth caused by tooth decay, according to Mayo Clinic. These areas become tiny openings or holes that can lead to toothaches, infections and even tooth loss. When a cavity is just starting, you may not have any symptoms at all. That's why it's important to be checked regularly at a dentist, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even if your mouth feels fine, a professional may be able to pick up on smaller signals before the decay grows. Is Ozempic Ruining Your Teeth? What To Know About Impact On Dental Health Read On The Fox News App Once the decay gets larger, there may be symptoms like toothaches, sharp pains when eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting. Dental plaque forming in the mouth is what leads to tooth decay, the process that creates cavities. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mixes with "sugary or starchy food" like milk, juice, bread and pasta, according to Cleveland Clinic. Fluoride Exposure Linked To 'Detrimental Effects' On Health Of Pregnant Women, Infants If those sugars and starches are not removed from the teeth through healthy habits, like regular flossing and brushing after meals, bacteria begin feeding on them, the above source states. The acids from bacteria strip away tooth enamel, leaving tiny openings that mark the beginning stages of a cavity. Bacteria and acid can enter through these holes and reach the vulnerable inner parts of the teeth, causing pain and more severe problems. Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health. "The amount of acid coming up and contacting the teeth will absolutely contribute to increased tooth decay," said Marshall, who is the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, and a dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Queen Creek, Arizona. "A combination of dry mouth and increased stomach acid can be detrimental to teeth," he said. Brush, Floss, Mouthwash: Dentists Reveal What They Believe Is The Correct Order Dry mouth, linked to causes like snoring and potentially certain medications, can increase the risk of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production. "Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel," the CDC states on its website. "If the repair isn't fast enough, bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities." Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, and ideally after every meal. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Experts also recommend cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. As mentioned above, these can mix with bacteria and promote the buildup of dental plaque. For more Health articles, visit "You should visit your dentist every year, especially to find any cavities," the CDC advises. For small cavities, your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products. Large cavities may require fillings or even root article source: Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
What to do if you think your child has a learning disorder
An estimated 1 in 5 children has a learning difference that makes it difficult to read, write and spell. Dyslexia, which makes reading and language-related tasks harder, is the most common learning disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it often gets attention when children start learning to read, but it isn't always detected early. Without early diagnosis, many children struggle with reading problems throughout school and into adulthood. But it is treatable and doesn't have to stand in the way of success. A learning disorder is present when the brain takes in and works with information in a way that is not typical. It keeps a person from learning a skill and using it well. People with learning disorders by and large have average or above-average intelligence. So, there's a gap between their expected skills, based on age and intelligence, and how they do in school, per the Mayo Clinic. Those challenges are not due to other conditions such as vision or hearing problems. There are no cures for learning disorders and they are lifelong, but there are ways to help manage them. Dyslexia, which mainly affects reading and spelling, is the most common learning disorder, impacting an estimated 5% to 15% of people in the U.S. Those with dyslexia often have trouble decoding words, spelling and reading fluently. It is caused by differences in brain development and function, and often runs in families. Dysgraphia affects writing skills, causing people to write slowly, have messy handwriting or struggle with spelling because forming letters is difficult. It is often a result of trouble with motor skills, not intelligence. Dyscalculia makes it difficult for people to understand and work with numbers, from simple tasks like counting money to more complex ones such as solving algebra problems. The exact cause of dyslexia isn't clear, but some clues hint at why it happens. Genetics. Dyslexia is highly genetic and runs in families. A child with one parent with dyslexia has a 30% to 50% chance of inheriting it. Genetic conditions like Down syndrome can also make dyslexia more likely. Differences in brain development and function. If you have dyslexia, you're neurodivergent. That means your brain formed or works differently than expected. Research shows people with dyslexia have differences in brain structure, function and chemistry. Disruptions in brain development and function. Infections, toxic exposures and other events can disrupt fetal development and increase the odds of later development of dyslexia. Difficulty spelling simple words Trouble learning the names of letters Problems telling apart letters with similar shapes, such as 'd' and 'b' or 'p' and 'q' Trouble rhyming Reluctance to read aloud in class Trouble sounding out new words Trouble associating sounds with letters or parts of words Trouble learning how sounds go together Mixing up the position of sounds in a word If you suspect your child has a learning disability, Understood, a nonprofit that provides resources for people with learning and thinking differences, has some things you can do: Observe and document: Keep track of specific challenges your child is facing, such as difficulty with reading, writing or math. Note any patterns or situations where these difficulties occur. Talk to your child's teacher: Share your observations with your child's teacher and ask if they have noticed similar issues. Teachers can provide valuable insights and may suggest strategies to try in the classroom. Request an evaluation: You can request a formal evaluation from your child's school to determine if the child has a learning disability. This evaluation is usually conducted by a team of professionals and can help identify specific areas of need. Seek professional help: Consider consulting with a specialist, such as a psychologist or educational therapist, who can provide a more in-depth assessment and recommend interventions. Explore support options: If your child is diagnosed with a learning disability, work with the school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that outlines specific accommodations and support. Educate yourself and your child: Learn more about the specific learning disability and talk to your child about it in a supportive way. Understanding their challenges can help them feel more confident and motivated. Dyslexia: Kids with dyslexia benefit from specialized reading instruction, such as the Orton-Gillingham approach, which uses multisensory techniques, per Understood. Schools can provide accommodations like extra time on tests and assistive technology like text-to-speech software. At home, parents can use multisensory techniques and talk openly with their child about dyslexia to help them understand and manage their challenges. Dyscalculia: While there are no formal programs like those for dyslexia, multisensory instruction can help kids understand math concepts. Schools might provide accommodations like extended time on tests and the use of calculators. Assistive technology tools, such as graphing tools and math apps, can also be helpful. Dysgraphia: There are specific teaching strategies to help with writing challenges, such as using graphic organizers and explicit instruction on writing rules. Assistive technology, like keyboarding tools, can help kids with dysgraphia. Occupational therapy can improve handwriting and fine motor skills, while educational therapy can teach strategies to manage writing tasks.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Fox News
Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them
Print Close By Khloe Quill Published May 31, 2025 Cavities are incredibly common, affecting 90% of adults between the ages of 19 and 64 — but they are often preventable. Also known as "dental caries," cavities are damaged areas in the hard parts of the teeth caused by tooth decay, according to Mayo Clinic. These areas become tiny openings or holes that can lead to toothaches, infections and even tooth loss. How to know if you have a cavity When a cavity is just starting, you may not have any symptoms at all. That's why it's important to be checked regularly at a dentist, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even if your mouth feels fine, a professional may be able to pick up on smaller signals before the decay grows. IS OZEMPIC RUINING YOUR TEETH? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT IMPACT ON DENTAL HEALTH Once the decay gets larger, there may be symptoms like toothaches, sharp pains when eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting. What causes a cavity? Dental plaque forming in the mouth is what leads to tooth decay, the process that creates cavities. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mixes with "sugary or starchy food" like milk, juice, bread and pasta, according to Cleveland Clinic. FLUORIDE EXPOSURE LINKED TO 'DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS' ON HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN, INFANTS If those sugars and starches are not removed from the teeth through healthy habits, like regular flossing and brushing after meals, bacteria begin feeding on them, the above source states. The acids from bacteria strip away tooth enamel, leaving tiny openings that mark the beginning stages of a cavity. Bacteria and acid can enter through these holes and reach the vulnerable inner parts of the teeth, causing pain and more severe problems. Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "The amount of acid coming up and contacting the teeth will absolutely contribute to increased tooth decay," said Marshall, who is the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, and a dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Queen Creek, Arizona. "A combination of dry mouth and increased stomach acid can be detrimental to teeth," he said. BRUSH, FLOSS, MOUTHWASH: DENTISTS REVEAL WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS THE CORRECT ORDER Dry mouth, linked to causes like snoring and potentially certain medications, can increase the risk of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production. "Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel," the CDC states on its website. "If the repair isn't fast enough, bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities." Ways to prevent cavities Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, and ideally after every meal. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Experts also recommend cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. As mentioned above, these can mix with bacteria and promote the buildup of dental plaque. For more Health articles, visit "You should visit your dentist every year, especially to find any cavities," the CDC advises. For small cavities, your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products. Large cavities may require fillings or even root canals. Print Close URL
