For many women, sex during pregnancy is a huge question mark, should women avoid all sexual activity until the baby is born, why am I not in the mood, can sex be harmful to me and/or the baby during pregnancy; all valid questions expecting mothers ask themselves and others.
The body is undergoing a lot of changes, and there is the added pressure of caring for an unborn child. To help you avail, alleviate and navigate through these and other questions you may have about sex during pregnancy, we bring you the below synopsis
Sex During Pregnancy is Safe!
Many women worry about whether having sex is safe whilst pregnant, but, in most cases, it is, unless otherwise stipulated by your OBGYN and/or midwife. If your pregnancy is travelling well, with no major complications and you are generally in good health, there is nothing for you to worry about.
Will sex harm the baby? The big question all expecting mothers think of, and the simple answer is NO, the baby is protected by the amniotic sac, therefore there are no issues with penetration causing harm.
When Sex Should Be Avoided
Although sex during pregnancy is generally safe, there are considerations to take into account, including:
history of cervical problems or weakness
diagnosis of placenta praevia
experiencing cramps or severe pain in the abdominal area, it may be a sign of a wider issue. Speak to your OBGYN and abstain from intercourse in the interim.
If your water has broken and/or you suspect it has
signs of premature labour or miscarriage
you have been experiencing vaginal bleeding
If experiencing any of the above, it is best to consult with your OBGYN and/or midwife to discuss, on an individual basis, if intercourse during pregnancy is safe for you.
Guide to Positions During Pregnancy
Even though sex is perfectly safe during your pregnancy, it may require you to get a little creative when it comes to positions and ensuring both comfort and pleasure. Pregnancy changes the body, you will be bigger, perhaps more uncomfortable, and you may not impact your energy levels.
You must talk to your partner with complete transparency and honesty. Your sex drive may also change; don’t feel guilty about this, or feel that there is something wrong. It’s completely normal.
If you do not feel you want to have sex, that’s okay too. You can still feel close to your partner in many ways, for example, a romantic kiss, hug or cuddling could still bring that intimacy between you and your partner. You can add another level of intimacy by giving each other a sensual massage. Many couples also try oral or anal sex, too, if vaginal sex is too uncomfortable or otherwise not desired.
For specific conditions, it depends on the trimester. It is also an issue of personal preference; for some, certain positions may be more uncomfortable than others. You may not know until you try!
First Trimester
This period is when you will likely feel that your sex drive is changing. This isn’t surprising, considering it can be quite a tricky period for pregnant women. Nausea, fatigue, and vomiting are all common symptoms, and they usually lead to a lot of general discomfort. It is completely normal to just not feel like having sex.
Of course, within the first trimester, the body has not gone through any major physical changes, therefore you are still able to have sex as you have before pregnancy.
Second Trimester
Generally speaking, you will feel a lot healthier during your second trimester. But you will start noticing your baby growing, which may make certain positions not very comfortable.
In most cases, the missionary position, using pillows to prop up your pelvic region can assist in alleviating discomfort. Positioning yourself on your hands and knees or lying on your side are also popular and comfortable sexual positions during this period of your pregnancy.
Third Trimester
The trimester is when you require the most sexual creativity, as you may start feeling very uncomfortable in your skin. Your body would have changed extremely by the third trimester, you may be a lot ‘bigger’ than what you are used to and/or like, and you may not be feeling very sexy in your skin.
Certain positions are more comfortable during your third trimester, including side-lying or being on top. Being seated during sex is also a popular position in the third trimester.
The key is to experiment with different positions during your pregnancy. Each body is unique during pregnancy, and you may find certain positions work better than others.
The Advantages of Sex During Pregnancy
Surprisingly and perhaps unexpectedly, you might be shocked to learn that there are benefits to having sex during pregnancy. For example, you may experience an increased level of sensitivity, which may result in sex feeling better, with the increased blood flow leading to higher sensitivity in erogenous zones.
The hormones that are usually released during sex will also help with your general physical comfort. Oxytocin, released when you orgasm, leads to feeling calmer and your aches are also soothed. After sex, you may find you sleep better also.
In short, you are safe to have sex during pregnancy as long as you are comfortable, are in good general health and do not have specific instructions from your OBGYN to avoid sexual activity.
Of course, your body is changing, hormones will be all over the place, and it may not be what you are used to. Talk to your partner, be aware that feeling different is completely normal and don’t be shy when it comes to trying new positions.