Practice Quiz

CPM Certified Professional Midwife

Category - Prenatal

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A client, who is pregnant for the first time, asks the midwife if she and her partner can still engage in sexual intercourse during her pregnancy. She is concerned that having sex may hurt the baby and cause a miscarriage. The client is at 12 weeks’ gestation. The most recent physical examination reveals normal findings. The client’s history is not remarkable. Which of the following statements made by the midwife is the most appropriate?
  1. “You need to avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy.”
  2. “Yes, you may engage in sex until the first two weeks of the third trimester.”
  3. “You may engage in sex as far into pregnancy as you wish. You and your partner may need to adjust your positions during sexual intercourse.”
  4. “You may have sex during pregnancy. Your libido will most likely increase during the third trimester.”
Explanation
Answer: C - The midwife may inform the client that she and her partner may engage in sex as far into pregnancy as they wish and that they may need to adjust their positions during sexual intercourse. A position in which partners are side - by - side or the female is in the superior position may be more comfortable, especially during the third trimester. There is no harm in engaging in sexual intercourse during pregnancy unless the client has a history of spontaneous miscarriage or vaginal spotting, or if she is at risk for premature rupture of membranes. Sexual intercourse should also be avoided in cases of untreated sexually transmitted diseases. The libido is most heightened during the second trimester. Increased sexual desire during pregnancy is due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area, increasing the sensations, and increased vaginal discharges.
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