Pregnancy can be a time of great excitement and can be a little daunting, with all those hormones.
It is a time when many women experience increased moisture in their genital area, which can make for easier penetration and even help with lubrication mostly during the second and third trimester, leading to a change in sex drive — talk about pregnancy horniness.
If you can get over the awkwardness, having sex during pregnancy could be a source of great physical and mental pleasure for you and your partner.
While there are some important things you need to know to have safe sex while pregnant, it’s not as challenging as you might think!
What you should know about safe sex during pregnancy
Safe sex during pregnancy is also essential for your health and that of your baby. However, any sexual contact during pregnancy requires considering the risks involved and taking precautions accordingly.
If you have no complications during pregnancy and your doctors okay you, then safe sex is a go.
Note that sex during pregnancy is normal and safe, it will not hurt your baby— as long as you know what’s okay and what’s not okay to do when it comes to getting frisky.
A penis or vibrator cannot penetrate beyond your vagina and the baby cannot tell what’s going on. However, keeping things safe, comfortable, and stress-free is the key to successful sex during pregnancy.
When is sex not safe in pregnancy?
Your doctor is likely to advise against sex if your pregnancy is considered high-risk. This could mean –
- You have a history of miscarriage, premature births and preterm labour, or miscarriage.
- You have been experiencing heavy bleeding during the pregnancy. Sex could aggravate the risk if the placenta is low or there is a haematoma – a collection of blood.
- Your water has broken, and you are now susceptible to the risk of infection.
- There are some problems with the cervix – entrance to your womb, this could put you at a higher risk of early labour or having a miscarriage.
- You are pregnant with twins, have previously had early labours, and are in your third trimester.
Sex becomes unsafe also when you and your partner are seeing other people, making you prone to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms is highly advised in this situation. Also, if you are unsure of your partner’s sexual escapades, or you have a new partner, use a condom!
STIs can cause problems for your baby during pregnancy and birth and can be transmitted from vaginal, anal or oral sex. Blowing air into the vagina can lead to air embolism which can pose a problem for you and your baby, be sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina.
You should seek your doctor’s approval on anal sex, and having vaginal sex after anal puts you at a high risk of contracting STIs.
What to Expect
Pregnancy hormones cause numerous changes to the body, including your genitalia.
Your vagina may feel saggy, remember your vagina is now an extra self-cleaning oven – blame the increased lubrication and a shift in hormones.
For others, the pelvic floor muscles may feel too tight, thus, making penetrative sex uncomfortable.
There may also be increased sensitivity down below.
You may experience easier orgasms, some women might experience their first orgasm during pregnancy, cool right?
It is, however, best to be open-minded and be prepared for what might come with the different stages of pregnancy.
Benefits of sex during pregnancy
The possible benefits of sex for a pregnant woman and her partner include:
Better Orgasms: The increase in the blood flow to the genitals could increase orgasms for pregnant women.
Boosts Immune System: According to a study in 2004, sex was found to increase IgA – an antibody that helps keep colds and other infections at bay.
Calory Burner: Sex can help you and your partner keep fit as the activity undeniably burns some calories.
Bond Builder: Sex during pregnancy can bring you and your partner closer.
Happy Mood: Orgasms release endorphins that can help mother and baby feel happy and relaxed.
Safe sex positions to try out
Sex with your partner on top – missionary can only last for a few weeks into your pregnancy, with your little one growing in your belly, you would have to explore other styles to get kinky.
Woman on top: This position is classic, whether it’s the cowgirl or reverse cowgirl. It gives you control of pace and mobility for comfortable angles, and can also take pressure off your belly. This sex position will see the woman sitting on her partner’s lap. For weight support, place your hands or forearms on the headboard. This can be done in any of the trimesters, but you would love it more in the second and third trimesters.
Rear-entry: Popularly known as doggy, this is good in all the trimesters, but might require an improvised balancing in the third trimester when your bump is large enough to get pressured. This sex position entails the woman on her hands and knees, with the partner
Spooning: The woman lay sideways with a pillow between her knees, so your partner can come in from behind. This position keeps the pressure off your bump. This position makes the clitoris accessible to your partner, touching it can induce more pleasure, and holding the bump can be a more comfortable thing to do in the third trimester.
These three sex positions have been recommended by sexologists and medical practitioners as safe during pregnancy. Other safe sex positions are limited to particular trimesters, such as standing, side by side, floating, seated, etc. You can test these positions, but remember that your comfort is the most important.
Sometimes, penetration is not always needed to get sexual pleasure, especially with hormones. You might not be interested in sex but okay with being touched, exploring the different ways to reach climax with your partner is recommended, including, massage, mouth works, sex toys, etc
In your journey to welcome your little one, every card is on the table except your doctor says otherwise, if one sex style doesn’t feel comfortable enough, try the next.
The changes in the desire for sex in pregnant women during and after pregnancy is inevitable. Being open and honest with your sexual partner can help you continue to have a healthy sex life throughout pregnancy.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
