Despite the many concerns about pregnancy and sex, most obstetricians agree that sex during pregnancy is OK and won’t hurt the baby. As long as the mother and the partner use barrier methods like condoms and practice safe sex, the pregnancy hormones can actually be a sexual booster.
The key is to understand the changes that occur during pregnancy.
Increased Blood Flow
The hormones of pregnancy increase blood flow to the genital area, which can lead to heightened sensitivity and pleasure. Many couples find that they become aroused more easily and reach climax more quickly and pleasurably during pregnancy than before. For some, sex may even feel like a sexual high point of their lives.
Some people, however, experience a decrease in their libido. This can be caused by hormones, discomfort in the pelvic area, fatigue or symptoms such as nausea and bloating. It is perfectly normal to have a different response to sex during pregnancy than you did before and there is nothing wrong with that.
Hormonal changes can also affect the vaginal lubrication. Some women may need to use extra lubricants during sexual intercourse. Others find that certain positions that involve a penis or toy entering the cervix become uncomfortable due to changes in the shape of the uterus. If this happens, you can try other positions or changing the depth of penetration to avoid pain and discomfort.
In addition, some women find that the nipples are very tender during pregnancy and this can make it difficult or painful to have foreplay. If this is a problem, you can always ask your OB/GYN for tips on how to overcome this. Some women also experience spotting after sex. This can be a sign of placenta previa and should always be discussed with your OB.
Increased Sensitivity
Depending on how pregnant you are, the increased blood flow to your sexual organs can cause them to become extra sensitive. This can make penetrative sex more uncomfortable. If you’re worried about hurting the baby, try using light pressure or a lubricant to help.
You may also find that your cervix gets more sensitive to touch. During foreplay, you might notice that your partner’s hands enjoy fondling your breasts or vagina more than they did before pregnancy. But, if you’re worried about pain or discomfort, nudge those hands toward less sensitive areas like your clitoris or pelvic muscles.
For many women, their libido picks up in the middle months of pregnancy, as early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness subside. In addition, hormonal changes increase the pleasure that results from sex. Some women even experience orgasms during sex, which are usually caused by the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and prolactin.
Of course, not all partners want to have penetrative sex while pregnant for any number of reasons. And that’s OK. Some couples find that sex is more enjoyable if they focus on foreplay and oral stimulation. Regardless of how you choose to experience sex, open and honest communication is key during this time. Make sure your partner knows if you’re feeling pleasure or pain, what feels good and what doesn’t, and what to avoid (like placing the penis too close to your cervix). This can help keep everyone happy during your sexual time together.
Vaginal Dryness
The baby bump can shift a woman’s center of gravity, making it harder to maintain a stable position. During sex, this change can cause some discomfort. However, a little extra lubrication can help. Using a silicone-based lubricant like NORMAL helps to increase comfort and sensitivity.
It’s also important to remember that women often lose some of their natural lubrication during pregnancy. This is due to the hormonal changes. However, the good news is that this issue can be remedied with foreplay and other sexual activities like oral sex or masturbation.
In addition to a vaginal dryness, some women may experience a decrease in libido during pregnancy. This is usually caused by the higher levels of estrogen that occur during this time. This can be frustrating for a partner but it is usually not a sign of trouble in the relationship.
Despite the many changes that occur during pregnancy, sex can still be pleasurable for couples who work together to make it happen. It’s also important for pregnant women to communicate with their partners about how they feel during sexual activity. This can help them find ways to increase pleasure and make the experience more enjoyable for both of them. Most importantly, pregnant women should know that they will not hurt the baby by having sex during this time.
Pain
There are lots of myths out there about whether or not it’s safe to have penetrative sex during pregnancy, and some couples worry that it could hurt the baby. But if you and your partner are both healthy, it’s perfectly fine to keep things going as usual between the sheets. In fact, it’s a great way to keep your relationship and sexual intimacy strong during this exciting time in your life.
Of course, you should always use barrier contraception (like condoms) during sex. You also should talk with your doctor about how you and your partner are feeling. Some people find that pregnancy increases their libido, while others find it makes them less interested in having sex. There are many reasons for this, including fluctuating hormones, not being comfortable in their changing body, and pain.
You should also know that some pain is normal during sex, particularly in the first trimester. This occurs when the prostaglandins in semen cause some normal uterine cramping. This should fade about 30 minutes after sex and shouldn’t happen often. If it becomes frequent or very painful, you should make an appointment to check for possible ectopic pregnancy.
Overall, sex during pregnancy can be really intense and pleasurable. It’s a great way to keep your romantic connection with your partner alive during this emotional and physically challenging time. And, of course, it can also help you bond with your baby.
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