![]() Q1. Can I get pregnant following oral sex or heavy petting? No. You can only get pregnant from full sexual intercourse. Q2. How will I know if I am pregnant? If you have had sexual intercourse since your last period and you are late for your current period, you may be pregnant. Following implantation of the fertilised egg menstruation should not occur, hence for women who have been sexually active and who have previously menstruated regularly, the absence of a period should be put down to pregnancy. The most common way to confirm a pregnancy is to purchase and undertake a home test. These are relatively cheap and can be done in the privacy of your home. The manufacturers claim they are over 95% accurate. If the home test has a positive result, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Q3. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy? For most couples it is normal for them to enjoy an active sex life throughout the pregnancy. Sexual intercourse will not harm the development of your baby as it is cushioned by a bag of fluid in your uterus. Sex during your pregnancy may also help you both unwind and should help you maintain a strong bond with your partner, ready for the months ahead. Q4. What is the best contraception to use after birth? This will depend on how soon you wish to have another baby. If you want another baby soon (within one year), then short-term measures such as the cap or condom, ideally with the use of a spermicide, are probably the best contraception. Long term, methods such as contraceptive injection, hormone implant and 'the pill' may be your best options. Q5. How soon can I have sex after birth? It is advisable to wait a few weeks after a normal delivery, and up to three months after a caesarean, as healing may take this length of time. It is important however that both you and your partner agree: neither should feel pressured into it. Be aware that you may feel dry; though by using water-based lubricants there is no reason why sex should not be as enjoyable as before. Want to know more? If you do want to know more about Pregnancy Birth, from conception to labour, you should take a look at 'Pregnancy Birth for Beginners' - a comprehensive guide for the new mother-to-Be. Written by a State Registered Midwife, it is a simple, easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive, book you can download to your computer in minutes. See http://www.pregnancyfacts.org/ for full details of this invaluable guide for the newly pregnant woman. Free articles provided by http://www.ArticleCity.com/ For specific details read the relevant section of 'Pregnancy & Birth' |