Would Masturbation Affect the Health of the Fetus?

Question

I am 25 years old and female. I have always had the habit of masturbating. I am worried that my masturbation habit might affect my baby in the womb, especially leading to Down syndrome or other health issues. Is masturbation harmful to the fetus?

Answer

Based on your description, generally speaking, masturbation is unlikely to have a negative impact on the development of the fetus. Masturbation is a normal sexual behavior and usually does not affect the health of the fetus. However, during pregnancy, excessive sexual activity or orgasms may cause uterine contractions, which sometimes can lead to preterm labor. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid excessive sexual activity during pregnancy to reduce the risk of preterm labor. Additionally, Down syndrome is mainly caused by chromosomal abnormalities. It is advisable for you to undergo Down syndrome screening during pregnancy to determine whether the fetus’s development is normal.