Page:Fielding - Sex and the Love Life.pdf/154

care is observed in the act. In the past, when extremists and theorists were the principal writers on the subject of sex, it was usually advocated that complete abstinence be the rule during pregnancy. This demand, however, is unreasonable and unwarranted, as it would subject married people, who are used to regular conjugal relations, to a hardship that is altogether unnecessary. It would mean depriving the husband and wife of the relief of nervous and emotional tension that follows sexual intercourse for nearly eleven months (counting the six or seven weeks after parturition during which time abstinence is necessary to permit the woman's generative organs to return to their normal state). Such an interference with the love-life in marriage is uncalled for. As Paley, in his Moral Philosophy states, "the prohibition of intercourse at this time is an austerity wrongly imposed."

The woman during this period is not an invalid, and for the most of the time, observing proper precautions and moderation, is in fairly good health.

The sexual relations may be continued with customary frequency during the first four months of pregnancy, but it is advisable to moderate the intensity of the act. For the next three months it is well to engage in coitus at rarer intervals, and extreme care should be taken to avoid pressure upon the uterus. The utmost gentleness should prevail in the relations. During the last two months it is best to desist from intercourse, although some exceptions may be made in this respect. The period of abstinence should be continued for at least six weeks after the birth of the child.