Sex During Pregnancy | Feed Your Baby Pregnancy Courses Online

Many women and their loved ones complain about sex during pregnancy. Anxiety is often centered on any potential problem for the baby or themselves. However, unless advised not to have sex, it is generally safe to do so. Babies in the womb are well protected by the amniotic fluid and the tissues that make up the uterus and womb of the mother.

The important thing is that you both feel comfortable having sex and being comfortable changing positions as your pregnancy grows.

Changes during pregnancy

Time pregnancythere is an increase in blood flow to the genitals, including the genitals, clitoris, vagina and the entire pelvic area. Depending on the individual woman, this high blood pressure can lead to increased excitement, or irritability. For men who have sex with each other, the amount of vaginal discharge is felt during intercourse.

Reasons why sex during pregnancy may not be good

If your maternal health care provider advises you not to have sex, there will be a reason for this. Possible reasons include:

Risk of preterm delivery or history of preterm delivery or birth.
Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Cervical insufficiency – where the cervix dilates prematurely.
A ruptured membrane, also known as ‘broken water’.
I am happy in advance.

When is the best time to have sex during pregnancy?

During the first trimester, the amount of hormones in the womb usually increases nausea and fatigue. Many women do not feel like having sex. As they settle into the second trimester, there is an increase in energy and many women feel the urge to be close to their loved ones again.

The second trimester is often the time when sex is back on the agenda for many women and their partners. In the third trimester, a large pregnancy can make intercourse more difficult. This means that expectant couples must be open to new responsibilities.

Is sex different during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones cause the muscles to relax and unwind in preparation for labor and delivery. Many women feel that they have a soft and tight vagina when they are not pregnant. The increase in femininity means that sebum production increases and women may find that they wake up easier and feel better as a result of this change.

Some women experience orgasms for the first time during pregnancy, due to increased blood flow and hormonal activity. It is also not uncommon for pregnant women to have an orgasm while dreaming. There is no harm to a pregnant woman or her baby when she sleeps.

On the flip side, some women experience increased sensitivity due to the deepening of their genital muscles. This can make sexual intercourse more difficult. In most cases, spending more time in play or applying lubricant (if needed) will make sex more enjoyable.

8 facts about sex during pregnancy

Unless advised otherwise by an antenatal care provider, there is nothing wrong with having sex during pregnancy, as long as it is pleasurable for both parties and is compatible.
Some women experience peaks of libido when they are pregnant, others have no interest in sex.
Without complications, sex during pregnancy is safe.
Having sex during pregnancy does not cause miscarriage.
Orgasm during pregnancy increases blood flow and an increase in comfort hormones. This is useful for the mother and her child.
Sometimes women are advised to have sex to ‘bring it on’ or start work. This is because semen contains prostaglandins that can help soften and widen the cervix. However, there is not enough evidence to prove that this is the best way to start a career.
Expectant parents can anxiety that their child sees or hears them having sex, even if this does not happen.
It is important that a woman does not blow air from her vagina during oral sex. This can be dangerous and cause gas formation.

Breast discomfort

Many women notice that their breasts feel sore and tender during this time pregnancyespecially in the first trimester. This makes any touch or caress, even a gentle stroke, unpleasant. Talk openly with your partner about what works for you. There are many ways to maintain intimacy and closeness without having to tolerate being uncomfortable.

Bleeding after intercourse

Many women notice spotting after sex, or their genitals are bloody. If there are no other symptoms, such as cramping or fluid loss, it is often reasonable to assume that the small drops are the result of cervical involvement. However, any bleeding during pregnancy should be monitored by a doctor or midwife.

There may be benefits to avoiding deep, penetrating sex if you have cervical problems, or find that you are constantly spotting after sex. This can help ease any anxiety you may be feeling about bleeding after sex.

Sex roles during pregnancy

As your belly grows, it’s best to avoid places where your partner’s weight is pressing on you. The ‘missionary’ position can be one of the most uncomfortable ways to have sex, especially in the third trimester.

Sex sites you can try:

‘Doggie style’ is your partner in the back.
Side by side sex.
You above.
He is lying on the side of the bed.
Having sex while standing or sitting.
A spoon.
In the ‘reverse cow girl’ chair.

Remember

To be an opener:

Trying new places to protect your partner’s weight and pressure on your stomach.
Have casual sex if you are uncomfortable. Masturbating, using sex toys and oral sex are good alternatives.
Use pillows and oil if you feel that sex is painful.
Using other ways to feel close and close to your partner. Caressing, kissing, hugging and talking are other ways to feel connected.
Telling your partner if you don’t want to have sex. There may be weeks (or many) when you don’t want to have sex and that’s okay. Most people who love and support each other will be understanding.

One last thing about sex during pregnancy

Many women and their partners find that regular, satisfying sex helps to stabilize their mood. As long as you are not experiencing any pregnancy problems, or have been advised not to have sex, there is no reason why you should stop.

About the Author:

Written by Nourish Baby and Jane Barry. Jane is fully qualified in paediatrics, immunisation, midwifery and pediatric nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) and has approximately 35 years of pediatric health nursing experience. She is a member of a number of professional associations including AHPRA, The Australasian Medical Writer’s Association and the Australian College of Children and Young People’s Nurses.

References

Sex during pregnancy Pregnancy and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)

Sex During Pregnancy: A Guide to Safe Sex Areas and 10 Questions (healthline.com)

Sex during pregnancy: information about men | Raising Children Network

Sexual | Australian Government Department of Health and Aging