Your baby is well cushioned by a sac of fluid well beyond the neck of the womb (cervix). There's no medical evidence to suggest that sex during pregnancy does any harm to the baby. A loving physical relationship is important for your wellbeing during pregnancy, and sexual intercourse can actually help your body to prepare for labour.

You may be advised not to have sex at certain stages of pregnancy if you have a history of miscarriage or premature labour, or if you have a low-lying placenta. You should speak to your doctor if any of these situations apply to you.

You may notice mild contractions during and after sex but they are not powerful enough to start labour if your body is not ready. If it is ready, sex may help to start labour - substances called prostaglandins are contained in semen and can help to soften the cervix and hormones released by nipple stimulation encourage the womb to contract.

Parents may also engage in other forms of intimacy such as kissing, caressing and holding each other as many women lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy — not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

While sex is safe for most couples in pregnancy, it may not be all that easy. You will probably need to find different positions. This can be a time to explore and experiment together. Sex with your partner on top can become uncomfortable quite early in pregnancy, not just because of the bump but because your breasts might be tender. It can also be uncomfortable if your partner penetrates you too deeply. So it may be better to lie on your sides, either facing each other or with your partner behind.

Oral sex is safe during pregnancy. If you receive oral sex, though, make sure your partner doesn't blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air might block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.

Generally, anal sex isn't recommended during pregnancy. Anal sex might be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related hemorrhoids. More concerning, anal sex might allow infection-causing bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina.