Pregnant women may not lose their desire to have sex, and sometimes their libido even increases. There are a few tips that can make sex during pregnancy no worse than before.
Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy
According to the NHS, it is completely safe to have sex during pregnancy unless your doctor has advised you not to.
The penis or sex toy does not penetrate beyond the vagina, so sex will not harm the baby. If the pregnancy is normal and you have no complications, sex and orgasms will not increase the risk of early labor or cause a miscarriage.
In late pregnancy, sex or orgasm may trigger mild contractions. You will feel the muscles of your uterus tightening. This is unpleasant but completely normal. You can rest and wait until the contractions stop.
In what cases is it better for pregnant women not to have sex
Doctors recommend abstaining from sex if you have:
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there was already heavy bleeding during pregnancy;
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amniotic fluid is leaking;
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problems with the cervix or uterus – can provoke premature birth or miscarriage;
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twins;
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you have already had an early birth, and now you are in the late stages of pregnancy.
Mayo Clinic experts also advise against sex if the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. If you suddenly feel unwell during sex, it is best to stop and see a doctor.
How to have sex during pregnancy
Use condoms if necessary.
While sex itself won’t harm the baby, sexually transmitted infections can. If your partner has recently been diagnosed with an STI, avoid vaginal, oral, and anal sex without a condom. Also use barrier contraception if you’re in a non-monogamous relationship or if you’re having sex with a new partner.
Accept that feelings may be different
According to sexologist Vanessa Marin, the sensations during sex may change. For example, you used to enjoy breast caresses and belly touches, but during pregnancy they no longer seem pleasant or even repulsive. Some people want slower, softer sex or find orgasm more difficult to achieve – all this is normal.
The specialist recommends talking about changes with your partner. Don’t dismiss your needs and have sex that doesn’t bring pleasure. Be honest and share what exactly you would like to change.
Don’t be alarmed if your libido has changed.
Desire can either increase or decrease. This is completely normal and depends on hormones and body image. Vanessa Marin claims that some women fall in love with their body and its stamina, so they feel great and their libido increases. Others, on the contrary, feel that they are unattractive, so women are embarrassed to have sex.
In the second case, the sexologist asks you to treat yourself more carefully and patiently. It is normal to love your body not every day or not want sex, but you should not blame yourself. You are already doing a lot of work. Talk to your partner about your experiences, perhaps he will be able to find the right words and support you.
Choose poses
Some poses that were comfortable before will be difficult to repeat during pregnancy. Here are some poses for pregnant women that Vanessa Marin has highlighted:
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“Cowgirl” – the woman sits on top facing her partner. This way she can control the depth and intensity of penetration.
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“Reverse Cowgirl” is the same, but the woman has her back turned to her partner.
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“Doggy style” – the woman gets on all fours, and the partner is behind her.
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“Spoon” – both partners lie on their sides, the woman is turned with her back to the man’s chest.
The NHS warns that the missionary position may become uncomfortable in later pregnancy due to a large bump, so it is best avoided.
Don’t just have penetrative sex
Sometimes pregnant women experience pain during penetration or most positions cause discomfort. But this is not a reason to refuse sex if you and your partner want it. Oral sex , fingering , mutual masturbation, sex toys can be a good alternative.
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