BabyCenter(R) Online Poll Finds Many Pregnant Couples Afraid of Sex

    SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- BabyCenter(R), L.L.C., the leading
 online resource for new and expectant parents, today announced the results of
 online polls showing that 40% of pregnant couples worry that sex during
 pregnancy might hurt the baby.  Among expectant fathers, fear of injuring the
 baby has caused 30% of them to say "no" to sex.  Women are concerned as well
 -- 21% of poll respondents say it has caused them to turn down sex.
     "Even couples who understand that sex during pregnancy is safe can't help
 but worry about it. It's natural. As soon as you find out a baby is on the
 way, your protective parenting instinct kicks in," said Linda Murray,
 BabyCenter executive editor. "You start to examine everything you do as a
 potential danger to your child, and anything that seems even remotely risky
 causes concern. In my mind, expectant fathers who say they're worried about
 sex harming their unborn babies are great dads-in-the-making. They're putting
 the well-being of their baby above their own pleasure."
     In addition to safety concerns, expectant moms also blame common pregnancy
 side-effects -- morning sickness and bloating -- for putting a damper on their
 sex drive.  Despite these obstacles, 41% of couples say they have kept busy in
 the bedroom throughout the pregnancy.
     While BabyCenter is pleased to report that fear and bloating are not
 stopping everyone, 11% of respondents say they haven't had sex since they
 found out they were pregnant.  These couples may be needlessly adding sex to
 the long list of real pregnancy no-no's, such as using alcohol or tobacco,
 eating unpasteurized cheese or sushi, skiing and horseback riding.
     "Unless your doctor has advised you not to have sex due to complications
 with your pregnancy, it's perfectly safe to keep having some fun -- and doing
 so is good for your relationship," said Murray.  "Couples face many emotional
 and physical changes during pregnancy, and sex is a great way to stay bonded
 and enjoy being a couple before the baby arrives."
    For some couples, pregnancy actually enhances their sex life.  According to
 the polls, 8% of couples say they had sex more often and 13% say the quality
 of their sex life improved after they became pregnant.  Complete poll results
 can be found at http://www.babycenter.com/polls/pregnancy .
     Pregnant couples, and those still contemplating starting a family, can get
 a sneak peek of their future sex life by using BabyCenter's New-Parent Passion
 Predictor tool at http://www.babycenter.com/passionpredictor/ .  The tool uses
 sexual frequency before and during pregnancy to forecast how often you'll get
 lucky after the baby arrives.
     BabyCenter offers a comprehensive, medically-reviewed overview of common
 concerns about sex during pregnancy, including information about changes in
 libido and suggestions for comfortable love-making positions at
 http://www.babycenter.com/pregnancysex .
 
     About BabyCenter(R)
     BabyCenter(R) LLC operates www.babycenter.com, the most visited online
 resource for new and expectant parents, and www.parentcenter.com, the leading
 online resource for parents of children ages 2 to 8. Offering extensive,
 medical advisory board-approved content, BabyCenter's Web sites attract an
 average of 3 million visitors each month, as measured by comScore Media
 Metrix, and have been honored with numerous awards, including an Online
 Journalism Award. In addition, BabyCenter.com and ParentCenter.com offer an
 array of interactive tools, a supportive online community, a premium
 subscription service, and an online store featuring thousands of products for
 parents and children. The BabyCenter(R) LLC family of Web sites also includes
 BabyCentre.co.uk. BabyCenter(R) LLC is a member of the Johnson & Johnson
 Family of Companies.
 
 

SOURCE  BabyCenter