MANY couples are still iffy about having sex during pregnancy, for reasons including that they fear that it will harm the baby. Though doctors have advised that there is no harm in the act itself, unless the mother has a high-risk pregnancy, the questions still remain. Below, Dr Orlando Thomas, general practitioner, answers some of the more frequently raised concerns.

1. Now that I'm pregnant can I still have sex, if so, for how long into my pregnancy?

Sex is fine and oftentimes highly recommended during pregnancy. Sex can be continued up until the end of the pregnancy.

2. When is it not safe to have sex?

There are very few reasons to avoid sex during pregnancy, such as bleeding in pregnancy, an uncommon condition know as placenta previa, pre-term rupture of membranes, and STDs in either partner.

3. Can I masturbate? Will it hurt the baby?

Masturbation is fine... no harm to the baby.

4. It is said that oral sex is dangerous during pregnancy as the man can blow air into the vagina resulting in the formation of air bubbles, which could be dangerous to both mother and baby. Is this true?

Oral sex is fine also. There is no truth to that.

5. Can I use a vibrator while pregnant?

Using a vibrator poses no risk to the pregnancy.

6. Is it true that having an orgasm while pregnant is dangerous as it results in contractions?

An orgasm is OK during pregnancy, many women have their first orgasm during pregnancy and a few also have their first multiple orgasmic experience during pregnancy. During orgasm, there will be mild contractions of the uterus but this will not impact negatively on the pregnancy.

7. Now that my belly is growing, we're having a harder time having sex. What are the best positions to try?

Woman on top may be the most comfortable. Also the woman kneeling and the man behind is also quite simple and enjoyable. The woman lying on her side and the man entering from behind is also good.

8. How often can I have sex?

You can have sex as often as you like during pregnancy.

9. Is it true that sperm released in the woman during pregnancy adds to the development of the foetus? Some people call this 'watering the baby's head'.

A male ejaculation will not water the baby's head or have any effect on the developing foetus.