While sex is still on the table for lovers who are both parents-to-be, there are some sex positions to avoid when pregnant at all costs, not just for safety but also to keep both sexes comfortable.
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Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of incredible change and growth. Your body is growing a new life inside of it, and your hormones are going through the wringer. This can make sex more challenging than usual.
In some cases, it’s even downright impossible. But don’t worry—although there are sex positions to avoid when pregnant, there are plenty of other ways to stay intimate with your partner.
Sex During Early Pregnancy
The first trimester is a great time for intimacy. You’re likely not showing yet, and your body isn’t undergoing too many changes. Having sex during this phase is also important because it helps establish an emotional connection with the baby.
Sex During Late Pregnancy
The third trimester can be tough on both partners—especially if you have complications or a previous C-section. The best thing to do is talk with your doctor about what works best for you and your situation before getting into bed with your partner again!
Safe Sex Positions During Pregnancy
As your pregnancy progresses, try experimenting to find which sexual positions work best for you. As there are sex positions to avoid when pregnant, you can let your creativity take over as long as you keep safety, mutual pleasure and comfort in mind.
Most sexual positions are OK during pregnancy as long as you’re comfortable. Oral sex is also safe during pregnancy.
Here are some ideas:
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Missionary position
This is a great position for the first and early second trimesters because it’s easy to stay on top of things when there’s not much extra weight around your middle yet. If you’re feeling unstable or unsteady on your feet, try putting a pillow under your butt or thighs for extra support. Make sure that you’re comfortable before getting started!
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Rear entry (doggy style)
This position can be fun and intimate, especially if you’re feeling up for playing with toys like vibrators or dildos. Make sure that you take care of yourself before trying this one out—if you need help with lube or condoms, ask your partner to bring them along!
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Spooning
Spooning is one of the safest positions possible during pregnancy because it allows deep penetration without any strain on your joints or muscles—which can become more.
Sex Positions to Avoid During Pregnancy
Contrary to popular belief, having sex during your pregnancy is pretty safe, and there’s no problem if you and your husband want to get intimate. However, there are sex positions to avoid when pregnant. They can be uncomfortable and cause problems.
Here’s a list of sex positions to skip when you’re pregnant:
Sex Positions to Avoid in Early Pregnancy – First Trimester
Good news! During the first trimester, there are no restrictions when it comes to the sex positions that you and your husband can engage in during intercourse. However, things like morning sickness, tiredness, and fatigue can sometimes put you out of the mood.
And don’t worry about having a miscarriage, as no study proves a connection between having a miscarriage and sex during the first trimester.
Sex Positions to Avoid During the Second Trimester
During the second trimester, your belly’s a bit larger because of your growing baby, and it might be uncomfortable to have sex in certain positions, such as the missionary position. Having sex using the missionary position during the second trimester can be uncomfortable, and it can place some pressure on the uterus, so it’s best to try other positions instead.
Generally, the second trimester is perfectly safe, there are not many sex positions to avoid when pregnant at this stage. It’s all a matter of what position you’re most comfortable in. Some couples opt to spoon or use the side entry, while others prefer the rear entry if it’s more comfortable.
Being on top of your husband during intercourse is also a comfortable way to have sex during the second trimester.
Sex Positions to Avoid in the Third Trimester
In the third trimester, the positions you should avoid would be anything that causes pressure on your belly. Some women find deep penetration uncomfortable, so they try to avoid those positions.
Safe sex positions during the third trimester are similar to the second trimester. Spooning, rear entry, and woman on top are most women’s preferred methods of intercourse during this time. Rest assured that sex during the third trimester is still totally safe, and so long as you’re not rough or place pressure on your belly, you and your husband can still enjoy sex during this time.
When to Stop Sex During Pregnancy
A common question women ask during pregnancy is when to stop having sex. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, so it’s important to be mindful of them.
The first thing you must take into account is your physical health. If you’re experiencing any pain during sex, or if it’s too uncomfortable for you, then it’s probably best not to continue until after the baby is born. In most cases, this will be around the third trimester or later.
The second thing to consider is your mental health. If you feel like you’re too tired or stressed out by everything going on in your life right now, then it might be better for both of you to wait until after your child’s birth before continuing sexual activity.
However, suppose both partners wish to engage in intercourse and do not experience any negative effects (such as bleeding). In that case, they should feel free to continue having sex until they see fit—ensure that both partners are comfortable throughout intercourse!
ALSO READ:
Does Having Sex while Pregnant Harm the Baby and other Pregnancy Sex Questions, Answered!
Retroverted Uterus: What It Is and How It Affects Sexual Intercourse and Pregnancy
Can Sex During Pregnancy Cause a Miscarriage
The short answer: no, not according to most medical professionals. Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, which are present at conception. While sexual activity can increase your risk for things like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it does not cause miscarriages.
However, there are some situations where having sex may be harmful to your pregnancy. Suppose you have an STI or another condition that increases your risk of miscarriage, such as placenta previa (where the placenta lies very low in the uterus). In that case, you must avoid intercourse until after the first trimester, when most miscarriages occur.
It is also recommended that women with high-risk pregnancies avoid sexual activity altogether during their entire pregnancies because there is a higher risk of preterm labour and other complications among high-risk pregnancies.
Do You Need to Use a Condom When Having Sex While Pregnant
Most people are aware of the fact that you should use a condom when having sex while pregnant. However, using a condom may not be necessary for all situations.
The best way to determine whether or not you need to use a condom during pregnancy is to speak with your doctor or midwife about your specific situation. They will be able to give you a recommendation based on their knowledge of your medical history and current pregnancy status.
Condoms are recommended for pregnant women especially those with multiple partners because they can protect against sexually transmitted illnesses like HIV/AIDS and gonorrhoea, which can cause serious health problems for you and your baby if passed from one person to another during sexual contact.
Condoms also protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs), common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in your body chemistry.
Understanding the safe and unsafe positions for sex during pregnancy can help you maintain a healthy and enjoyable intimate life while ensuring the safety of both you and your baby. Always listen to your body and communicate openly with your partner about what feels comfortable. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Image Source: iStock
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines
Updated by Pheona Ilagan
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