Intimacy Unveiled: Unlocking the Secrets of Sex During Pregnancy

Carrying a baby doesn’t mean you can’t get it on because sex during pregnancy can be good for you. How? Learn more about it here. 

Hormones wreak havoc when you’re expecting, which can make intercourse during pregnancy either the first or last thing on your mind. Moreover, you and the hubby may also be hesitant to ask your OB-gynaecologist whether it’s okay to continue marital relations while carrying the baby.

The good news is women with normal pregnancies have nothing to fear from pregnancy sex. According to research, sex may even have benefits for mommies.

When Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy

When is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

The short answer: it’s never going to be 100% safe.

Having said that, there are some situations where the risk of complications is low enough that you can feel confident in your decision to get busy.

If your pregnancy is normal and healthy, having sex during the second and third trimesters is fine. If you’re having a high-risk pregnancy (pre-existing medical conditions or other factors), though, you should talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to have sex during pregnancy.

Generally speaking, many women find the second trimester to be the sweet spot. You know, that magical time when the morning sickness has usually eased up, and you’re not dealing with the full-on belly yet. It’s like the Goldilocks zone of pregnancy!

According to experts, during the second trimester, the risk of miscarriage is lower, and the chances of preterm labour are reduced compared to the other trimesters.

When it comes down to it: there are risks involved with sex during pregnancy. But as long as those risks are minimal and manageable (and they often are), most women will continue to have sex throughout their pregnancies.

Of course, keep in mind that each pregnancy is unique, so it’s always a good idea to chat with your healthcare provider and get their take on your specific situation. Safety first, right?

Image Source: iStock

Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy can have many benefits for both the mother and the father, such as:

1. Helps stop frequent peeing

You’ve never been so leaky your entire life. Regular orgasms, thanks to intercourse during pregnancy, can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to prevent incontinence.

2. Better big O’s

That’s right, ladies, you may have more and better orgasms during pregnancy. Since your lady bits are engorged with blood and more sensitive, you may find that reaching that climax is much easier. Quick, tell the hubby now!

3. Happy hormones for you and hubby

Pregnancy is all about weird hormonal imbalances. Orgasms, thanks to intercourse during pregnancy, trigger the release of oxytocin, which is the chemical responsible for making you feel happy, content, and loved. This can reduce stress for you and your hubby as he gets his oxytocin high during orgasm, though to a much lesser degree than yours.

3. Prevents the dreaded preeclampsia

When a pregnant woman’s blood pressure spikes suddenly and results in convulsions, she’s going into eclampsia. This can be fatal for both her and the baby. A scientific study says that pregnant women who perform oral sex are less likely to exhibit signs of preeclampsia.

5. Lowers blood pressure

Just after orgasm, your body’s blood pressure lowers so this helps mommies who are being monitored for high blood pressure. While this is just a temporary fix, intercourse during pregnancy can relieve the stress you’re feeling from the pregnancy complication.

6. Dispels pregnancy myths and misconceptions

The amount of pregnancy myths is staggering and can sometimes overwhelm and instil fear in a couple. Having sex helps you dispel these myths, such as those that say that miscarriages are caused by sex and that intercourse harms the baby.

7. Helps build body image

Accepting your pregnancy body can be difficult, especially if you’re one of those mums who experience darkening in some areas and have other symptoms that make you feel unattractive. Seeing your husband still sexually attracted to you and engaging in intercourse during pregnancy can do wonders for accepting your changing body.

8. Preps you for the big day

While orgasm or sperm usually does not lead to labour, it does help ripen your cervix and make it easier to dilate when the big day arrives, thanks to prostaglandin (a group of compounds with different hormone-like effects such as promoting uterine contractions) that’s present in semen.

9. Gives hubby more time and attention

Husbands may find it hard to abstain from sex for nine whole months. This may lead to marriage problems later on. Having sex while you’re pregnant strengthens bonds and creates more intimacy with the hubby.

10. Opens up more ways to communicate

Having sex during pregnancy creates stronger bonds between husband and wife. This leads to better communication during the pregnancy, allowing both of you to be more supportive of each other. Try opening up about issues post-orgasm when hubby is super happy and very eager to listen to you!

11. Shortened recovery time for mum

As mentioned earlier, orgasms strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which help you push when the big day arrives. For normal delivery, frequent intercourse during pregnancy can also help you recover faster since your muscles are stronger.

While there are some precautions to take, overall, sex during pregnancy can be a healthy and enjoyable way to stay connected and improve overall well-being.

Because of our hormones and health, we understand that the thought of having intercourse during pregnancy can go either way, with you being averse or eager for it.

Whatever you’re currently feeling, listen to your body and talk to your husband about it. You both have needs; sex can help build your relationship and relieve stress during pregnancy.

Safe Sex Positions During Pregnancy

There are a lot of things that change during pregnancy. Your body is changing in ways you never expected, and it’s all happening pretty fast.

One of the biggest changes is how your body reacts to sex: it’s different than before, and it might be hard to get used to at first. But don’t worry—we’ve got some tips for how to make sure that your partner is still getting what he or she needs (and wants), even if your body isn’t as open to all the positions you used to enjoy.

The best way to make sure all parties are satisfied is by using safe sex positions during pregnancy. Luckily, there are plenty of them! You just have to know what they are and how to use them.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to this issue. The best thing you can do is talk with your doctor and make an informed decision based on their advice and your own preferences. So make sure you talk with your doctor before trying any of these positions out for yourself:

• Modified Missionary

This one is a favourite of many pregnant women. You just need to make sure that your partner’s pelvis is not too high because it can cause cramping in your abdomen.

In this position, you can lie on your back with your legs up and spread apart, or you can put a pillow under your butt to help raise it up slightly. Your partner will then straddle you, aligning himself with the top part of your vagina and supporting his weight on his arms. This position allows for deeper penetration which can stimulate your G-spot better than other positions.

• Spooning

This position is great because it allows for intimacy without physical exertion. Plus, your partner will be able to spoon you from behind and rub your belly as they go in and out of you. You’ll both feel very connected in this position.

• Doggy Style

If you want to go with something more adventurous than the spooning position, then doggy style is a great choice. This position will allow you to control how deep your partner goes into you and how quickly they move back out again (if at all).

It also helps if you have back pain because it keeps your hips elevated so that gravity isn’t pulling down on them as much as it would when lying down on your stomach or backside!

• The Catcher

This is a great position for sex during pregnancy. It’s easy on your back, and it can be done on either the side or the stomach.

If you’re on the side, prop yourself up with pillows and have your partner straddle you. Your partner should support much of their weight with their arms so that they don’t put any pressure on your stomach.

If you’re lying on your stomach, then have your partner straddle you from behind—they should also support most of their weight with their arms so that they don’t put any pressure on your stomach.

• Standing Sex

Standing sex is one of the most fun and exciting positions to try when you’re pregnant. This is a great way to get some exercise in, and it can be really helpful for keeping your blood flowing if you start to feel a little lightheaded or dizzy.

Your partner will be standing up straight with their feet firmly planted on the floor. You’ll be doing the same thing, but instead of lifting your foot up, you’ll be lifting your bottom off the ground while your partner supports your weight with their hands and arms.

This position is great because it gives both partners an opportunity to control how deep they go into each other by shifting their weight around. It also allows for deeper penetration than most other positions do because there’s no pressure on anyone’s back—they can stand upright without having to worry about bending over too far!

When to Stop Sex During Pregnancy

Sexual intimacy can be an important aspect of a healthy relationship during pregnancy. However, there are certain situations where it may be necessary to pause or modify sexual activity for the well-being of both the expectant mother and the baby. Let’s explore some scenarios that may warrant a temporary halt to sexual activity during pregnancy.

• Placenta Previa

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause bleeding and complications. In such cases, it is crucial to avoid sexual intercourse to prevent further complications and potential harm to the baby.

• Preterm Labour Risk

If you have a history of preterm labour or are at a higher risk, your healthcare provider may advise abstaining from sex. Orgasms can cause contractions, which might trigger preterm labour. It’s better to err on the side of caution in such situations.

• Ruptured Membranes

If your water has broken before the onset of labour, it is essential to refrain from sexual activity. Intercourse could introduce bacteria into the vagina, increasing the risk of infection.

• Certain Pregnancy Complications

Certain complications like cervical incompetence, placental abruption, or a history of premature birth might require a temporary pause in sexual activity. These conditions can increase the risk of complications, and your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding intercourse to minimise potential harm.

• Personal Discomfort

As pregnancy progresses, the growing belly, increased sensitivity, or discomfort may affect the desire and comfort level for sexual activity. In such cases, it is essential to communicate openly with your partner and find alternative ways to maintain intimacy, such as cuddling, kissing, or exploring non-penetrative sexual activities.

Sex During Pregnancy: Watch Out For These Warning Signs

After engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of any potential signs or symptoms that may require attention. While most women experience no issues, being proactive and informed can help ensure the well-being of both the expectant mother and the baby. Here are some things to watch out for after having sex during pregnancy, along with appropriate actions to take.

1. Vaginal Bleeding or Spotting

2. Abdominal Pain or Cramping

3. Fluid Leakage

4. Increased Discharge

5. Contractions or Uterine Tightness

6. Unusual or Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge

7. Pelvic Pressure or Pain

8. Decreased Fetal Movement

It is important to seek medical help after having sex while pregnant if you experience any concerning symptoms or complications.

Sex during pregnancy can be a safe and enjoyable experience for many women. Remember, it’s essential to communicate openly with your partner and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Whether you’re in the mood for some intimate moments or prefer to take a break, listen to your body, prioritise your well-being, and keep the spark alive in ways that feel right for you. Cheers to a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.

Updates from Pheona Ilagan

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.