I am two and a half months pregnant, and any time I have an orgasm, I have a lot of lower pelvic pain. Is this hurting the baby? Is there any possibility of the placenta becoming detached due to uterine contractions? Is sex or orgasm ever really safe during pregnancy?

--Lisa

Orgasm is associated with mild contractions of the uterine wall muscle. Orgasm during pregnancy is harmful only in very few circumstances. Unless you are having problems with preterm labor, an incompetent cervix, or placenta previa, then you will not need to avoid sex and orgasm. In these circumstances, the little contractions may turn into big contractions and cause early delivery or bleeding.

Now, if you have pain every time you have sex, you should avoid sex until you see your doctor. She may want to examine your cervix to make sure you are not having problems. I am a firm believer in the body knowing what's best and pain being a signal to stop whatever activity causes it. Mother Nature is very good at giving us warnings to avoid what is not good for us.