Health & Pregnancy

The Top 7 Pregnancy Myths

Myth: Say No to Sex

You can still have sex when you're pregnant. Sex doesn't physically hurt the baby, who is fully protected by the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles. A thick mucus plug also seals the cervix. But you still need to watch out for sexually transmitted infections -- pregnancy doesn't protect against that. If you get herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, or HIV, the disease could be transmitted to your baby too.

Some women wonder if an orgasm can cause a miscarriage. If you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy, don't concern yourself: Contractions from orgasm are completely different from the type that's associated with labor.

Check with your doctor to make sure your pregnancy is indeed low-risk. Your doctor may advise against intercourse if there's any threat of miscarriage or preterm labor or if there's unexplained vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.