Medical experts all over the world recommended and encourage sex during pregnancy. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, it is perfectly safe for you to have sex right up to childbirth. In fact, many women find sex during pregnancy very enjoyable and intense.
Like many men, my husband wouldn't come near me when I was pregnant and he had no idea that sex during pregnancy could be very enjoyable because our hormone levels are peaking throughout your pregnancy. These hormones can make our body much more sensitive to sexual stimulation.
My hubby could never get over the ridiculous notion that he would somehow be prodding the baby in the head (you're not that big dear trust me!....).
Sex during pregnancy is not just enjoyable but it also helps maintain a strong bond with your partner. After a pregnancy announcement, it's not uncommon for men to feel unloved as all the attention is placed on baby. Continuing to have sex during pregnancy is a great way to keep you and your partner connected.
Many couples find sex during pregnancy less stressful than normal because there is no pressure anymore to conceive. Do you remember the times you were trying to conceive? I don't think my husband will ever truly recover from the trauma of having to watch me roll around on the bed with my knees pulled tightly towards my stomach, desperately trying to force semen into my cervix. All because I'd once read a ridiculous 'how to get pregnant quickly' article online somewhere. It's not exactly the vision of post-sex most men are expecting or hoping to see.
Although I had to make do with my favourite electric friend during my pregnancy because Mr "Well Endowed" or rather "Mr Clueless" was petrified of poking the baby to death, sex during pregnancy is definitely a good time for you and your partner to have stress free intercourse and enjoy yourself.
Read on for our top #5 things every pregnant woman should know about sex during pregnancy.
1. Is it safe to have sex when I’m pregnant?
Absolutely, you are free to safely enjoy and have sex throughout your pregnancy.
The only time to be cautious about having sex in your pregnancy is if you have health issues, encounter pain in intercourse or the doctor has already advised you to not have sex through your pregnancy.
I’m feeling so horny!
Ever wonder why pregnant women are suddenly feeling frisky?
Well, it's not just the baby kicking; it's those sneaky hormones throwing a party in there! It's like a circus in your belly, and everyone's invited to the dance floor – including your libido! Who knew hormones could be such matchmakers?
Many women will encounter a heightened sex drive whilst pregnant, but not all women are built the same. You may feel your interest in sex diminishing (like my hubby) and that's perfectly fine.
2. Could penetrative sex hurt my baby?
The most common topic (for my husband) and many other women on sex during pregnancy was about hurting the baby, or even causing a miscarriage.
Thankfully there is no medical evidence to suggest sexual intercourse during pregnancy causes miscarriage.
If you and your partner are worried about his manhood hurting the baby, you can relax. His willy will never trouble the baby. Remember, your baby's head is not in your vagina!
The walls of the uterus are thick so your baby is safely protected in the uterus wrapped in amniotic fluid. Your baby is well isolated from all outside ‘activities’.
That being said, you do need to be careful. Pregnancy sex is not the time for your partner to be pounding you like 'Dirk Diggler' because that might cause trauma to your vagina or cervix.
3. What sexual positions are most comfortable through pregnancy?
In early trimesters you might still have some flexibility but as your beautiful belly starts to grow that changes quickly.
The most commonly recommended sexual positions for sex during pregnancy are side-to-side, woman on top (doing all the work as usual), and everyone's favourite, doggy style.
Try to feel out what position best works for you for the stage of your pregnancy.
Spooning is always a good place to start if you are nervous about placing pressure on your pregnant belly. It can be comforting to support your belly by keeping some sort of control, especially if 'Dirk Diggler' gets overexcited.
You can also try placing a pillow between your knees for some added comfort as you get a little larger into the third trimester.
When you hit your third trimester avoid having sex lying on your back. In this position it's possible for the uterus to place some unwanted pressure on large veins, which can increase your blood pressure and even reduce the amount of blood getting to your baby.
4. Can sexual intercourse bring on labour?
The internet is full of debate on how having sex too close to your due date could bring on a pregnancy.
There is no medical evidence that suggests sex during your third trimester can bring about labour but there has been a lot of interesting research linking sex with early pregnancy.
Super Semen?
Prostaglandin is a lipid compound that is found in high concentrations within a man's semen. It's a compound that can trigger hormone-like effects.
If you have intercourse during late pregnancy, and your partner ejaculates inside you, prostaglandins place deposits right next to your cervix. These deposits can soften your cervix, help prepare it for dilation, and cause the uterus to contract.
The Love Hormone
You may have heard of a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin is often referred to as the love hormone. This is because it's possible to release oxytocin when you have sex or an orgasm.
In women, oxytocin signals contractions of the womb during labour. The hormone essentially prompts the uterine muscles to contract, so labour can start. Oxytocin is the naturally produced form of Pitocin, which is an artificial hormone provided to induce women in hospitals.
When a woman has an orgasm there may be uterine contractions. Many people believe that organismic contractions could actually help bring about labour but others believe these are far more likely to cause Braxton-Hicks.
Check out this interesting article about 'Orgasmic Births' over at Fatherly.com for an alternative opinion.
5. When Can You Have Sex After Childbirth?
If your pregnancy went without any complications you should be signed-off for post-birth intercourse after your postpartum check-up at six weeks.
Give Your Body Time To Recover
If you're a randy devil and desperate for some post-birth action, you might want to give your body some time to recover first.
It's important to allow your uterus to return to its normal size and there is also a risk of infection after pregnancy, especially if you had a c-section.
This is especially important if you've had a rough delivery because you will be sore for quite a while and sex might seem slightly frightening.
Losing Your Libido Postpartum
When your baby enters the world you and your partner will quickly find life exhausting.
The endless sleepless nights, a reduction in oestrogen if breastfeeding, and the stress of caring for a new born baby, don't leave much energy left for lovemaking.
Don't worry, things get a lot better and if you find that your libido has deserted you hang in there.
Your once imperious sex drive will return, especially when you want a second! ;-)
When Do Couples Normally Start Having Sex Again After Childbirth?
Research suggests that most couples return to sex anywhere between 6 weeks and 6 months.
No two women are the same when it comes to postpartum sex. There are lots of individual factors that shape when couples decide to start having sex again after childbirth.
It's not uncommon for women not to have sex for a number of months leading up to childbirth. Suddenly starting sexual intercourse after such a long break can be a little bit uncomfortable and even painful. Mums that delivered their baby vaginally will have temporarily have stretched vaginal muscles and may also need some lube to ease the dryness. Breastfeeding mums will also have suppressed estrogen levels, which can cause dryness in the vagina.
You might feel mentally ready to start dancing the funky chicken again with your partner, but your body may not be. After childbirth, your body is going through a healing process that takes time. This process is hormonal and can vastly reduce your sex drive.
The best way to re-develop intimacy with your partner is through honest conversation. Make sure you discuss your recovery and share your inner feelings so your partner can support you through your postpartum recovery.
Don't be too hard on yourself if your libido takes time to return after becoming a mum. Getting in some much needed rest and remembering to wash are higher priorities right now!
