Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am 29, have two children (third on the way) and I will be 29 weeks Tuesday 1/11/05. I had no complications with my 1st 2 pregnancies. Two days ago I had a dropping sensation and movement against lower pelvic bones. Notified my OB she didn't seem worried. Since then I have felt pressure and during a bowel movement felt a lot of pressure and a sense of opening in the vaginal area. Could I have dropped should I pursue further w/my OB? She has done no vaginal exams since 1st appt.?
Answer -
There is no reason to suspect that you are starting to dilate, unless you start to have regular contractions. It is common to feel pressure of the baby against the pelvic bones. It is also common to feel pressure during defecation. If you are worried, ask your doctor to check your cervix to see if it is dilated at all. However, even if it is dilated, as long as you have no contractions, you need not worry. Drink plenty of fluid.
Follow-up question: I assume intercourse is still okay? When I am dialiated is intercourse still okay? I guess when should it be stopped?
AnswerIf the cervix is closed and you are not having contractions, you can safely have intercourse throughout the pregnancy. However, during intercourse, ejaculation releases prostaglandins, a substance that can induce labor. Therefore, if there is any hint that you may be in preterm labor (having contractions, cervical dilatation, shortening of the cervix, ruptured membranes) I would avoid intercourse. You can still cuddle and satisfy each other in other ways.
