Mums to be can often get worried about having sex while pregnant; well there is no medical evidence that having sexual intercourse whilst pregnant does any damage at all.

There are a few cases where your GP may advise you about not having intercourse:

- If you are Prone to miscarriages your GP may advise avoiding intercourse for the first three months or at the times when you would have been having your period when your hormones would be at their lowest.

- You may be advised to avoid intercourse in the later stages of pregnancy if you have a history of premature labour

- Your GP may advise you to avoid intercourse if you have a low lying placenta

There is no need to worry about your baby being harmed by the penetration of the penis as it is well protected. This protection comes from the Muscular wall of the uterus, from the mucus plug that seals the neck of the uterus, and from the bag of waters.

Sexual intercourse will not start labour if the body is not ready. However, if your baby is overdue, arousal of the nipple and intercourse could help in starting labour. The prostaglandins in semen soften the cervix, and hormones released by nipple stimulation encourage the uterus to contract. Sexual desires during pregnancy differ from person to person. Some women may just feel too ill or tired for sex, or a man may worry about harming the unborn child. Some women may just not feel sexually attractive whilst pregnant. In these cases it is best to talk as a couple to reassure each other of the others feelings.

On the other hand many couples feel that pregnancy can do wonders for the sex life. Many men may be aroused by the fuller breasts and rounder hips of a pregnant partner. Some women feel great about not having to worry about contraceptives and periods.

Well beyond all of that is the actual partaking in sexual intercourse where some people often worry. Of course as the pregnancy develops, the missionary position becomes impossible, which on a plus side forces into exploring other ways to make love. A few ideas are:

- Woman on top - this not only gives the man a great view, but also lets the woman stay in control of position and penetration.

- Rear entry positions - take time to find a position that is comfortable for you these rear entry positions also allow the man more penetration

- Spoons - this is where both partners lye on their side and the man penetrates from behind, this gives shallower penetration which is more comfortable for some ladies during the later stages of pregnancy