"Can we have sex during the first trimester?" This is one of the most common, yet most 'difficult to ask' questions for new parents in Malaysia. On one hand, you worry about harming the baby; on the other, you want to maintain a close, intimate relationship.

The good news: For the **vast majority of healthy, low-risk pregnancies**, the answer is **YES**. Your baby is well-protected inside the uterus by the amniotic fluid, a strong mucus plug, and the uterine muscles. Normal sexual intercourse **will not 'poke' the baby or cause a miscarriage**.

However, the first trimester is a period of dramatic change. You need to know the safety signals and the "red flags".

"Red Flags": When to Stop Immediately & See Your Doctor

Before any intimacy, you must first confirm you are not in a "high-risk" group. If you have any of the following conditions, **you must avoid sex completely** and consult your Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (O&G) first.

Relationship Adjustments: Why Has Our Libido Changed?

In the first trimester, many couples find their desire for intimacy changes dramatically. This is **completely normal** and usually temporary. The key is to understand why.

1. The Mom-to-Be's Body & Mind

• Extreme Fatigue: Your body is producing huge amounts of progesterone, making you *sangat letih* (very tired). You might just want to sleep.
• Morning Sickness: Constant nausea and vomiting can make you feel unwell and uninterested in anything, including sex.
• Tender Breasts (Sakit Payudara): Hormones can make your breasts so sensitive that even a light touch is uncomfortable.
• Anxiety: Many first-time moms are anxious about miscarriage. This fear can significantly lower libido.

2. The Partner's Confusion

The partner's worries are just as real:

• Fear of Hurting the Baby: This is the most common fear. Even if they know it's safe, they may still be overly cautious.
• Uncertainty: Seeing their partner sick or uncomfortable, they may feel "selfish" for initiating intimacy.

Safety Tips: If You Decide to Have Sex

If you are low-risk and both partners are willing, sex in the first trimester is safe. However, keep these points in mind:

1. Choose Safe Positions

Choose positions that don't put pressure on the abdomen. As the pregnancy progresses, the traditional "man-on-top" position will become uncomfortable.

• Recommended Positions: Side-lying (spooning) or Woman-on-top. Both positions allow the woman to control the depth and angle of penetration and avoid abdominal pressure.

2. Be Gentle

Avoid deep or aggressive thrusting. If you feel any discomfort or mild cramping, stop immediately.

3. Use a Condom (Guna Kondom)

"Why use a condom if I'm already pregnant?" The answer is: To prevent infection (Elak Jangkitan).
During pregnancy, the vaginal environment changes and can be more susceptible to infections. Semen also contains prostaglandins, which (in theory) could stimulate uterine contractions. Using a condom is the safest and most hygienic practice.

4. Maintain Hygiene

Both partners should ensure good hygiene before and after sex to reduce any risk of infection.

Further Reading