The couple loves each other so much that their overflowing love brings a new life into the world. But how can you connect and have a peaceful sex life during pregnancy? A thousand concerns may run through the minds of the pregnant woman and her partner, and sexual intercourse during pregnancy may become less frequent than before due to insecurity or even fear. So, in the end, is it okay to have sex during pregnancy? What precautions should be taken, what should be avoided?
Sex and Pregnancy
Often, the couple’s sex life is just fine, but after becoming pregnant sex starts to be avoided out of fear of harming the baby or because of potential problems that may occur. But what many pregnant women don’t know is that sexual intercourse during pregnancy can actually only bring benefits to the woman or the couple, both emotionally and for health itself1. The first step should be to talk with an obstetrician—if there is any kind of risk or restriction concerning sexual intercourse during pregnancy, the doctor will certainly recommend sexual abstinence for the couple.
Sexual Abstinence
Abstinence is recommended in cases when uterine contractions (orgasm) or even penetration might cause undesired effects, and the most common risks that make sex inadvisable are: bleeding, placenta previa, cervical incompetence2, and some other problems that can lead to the baby being born prematurely or even increase the risk of miscarriage.
Free from a high-risk pregnancy? Then it’s time to get intimate! Did you know that sex during pregnancy can allow for a much more intense orgasm? Yes, all this is due to the greater amount of blood flow to the clitoral area during pregnancy, which can provide much greater sensitivity now than before.
In addition, some women who never had much sexual appetite may become even more aroused, which will delight their partner.
Tips for Sexual Intercourse During Pregnancy by Trimester
Some obstacles may come up for sexual intercourse during pregnancy, even if it’s not a high-risk pregnancy, and a certain discomfort can arise between the couple at the moment of intimacy.
First Trimester
The fear of hurting the baby is a real issue for first-time couples, but if there are no restrictions from your doctor, why not take advantage and enjoy intimacy? Well, in the first weeks, the woman may fear having sex, precisely because of the risks in the first 12 weeks, so if sex feels “strange,” that’s normal and fully understandable at first.
That’s why the first tip is to talk with your doctor. Initial nausea may also reduce how often the couple has sex, not to mention some women may develop an “aversion” to their partner. In some cases, the body is going through changes that may be “embarrassing” to the woman—but you know what? Just go for it, friend! Lovemaking with the one you love is so good…
Second Trimester
This is the phase when pregnant women may feel more desire for intimacy. With nausea gone from the first trimester, now is when hormones are more “balanced,” making the second trimester the most suitable phase for sexual intercourse during pregnancy.
Sexual positions from before pregnancy may now be more difficult due to the weight of the belly and the discomfort it causes, but sex is safe during this stage. A tip for better intimacy at this time is to use water-based lubricant gels..
Third Trimester
This is the most tiring phase for women. In addition to carrying a heavier belly, sexual appetite may decrease in some cases due to usual pregnancy discomforts like back pain, lower abdominal pain, and the shortness of breath that appears now.
Some positions can help with sexual intercourse during pregnancy in the third trimester, such as the side position, where the belly doesn’t get in the way. Another great position for pregnant women is sitting on the partner’s lap or on top.
That way, she can control the movements as she wishes and avoid worries after intercourse. The missionary position should be avoided, as well as rougher movements. Of course, more passionate encounters should be left for after the baby is born and the postpartum recovery. Although the amniotic sac protects the baby and the baby feels absolutely nothing3, taking precautions is always wise.
A problem that can occur even for women with completely healthy pregnancies is post-coital cramps. These can catch any pregnant woman by surprise, but are normal at any stage of pregnancy—just keep an eye on any discharge, and if there is blood, see a doctor right away to check for possible labor onset.
A pregnant woman can have sex even a day before giving birth. In fact, sex stimulates natural labor and is recommended to help with dilation. Regardless of what trimester you’re in, the secret is to be careful. As mentioned, save energetic and intense sex for later and also wait to try new Kama Sutra positions, chandelier acrobatics, or bolder fantasies for after you recover from childbirth, okay?
Affection between the couple is essential for a pleasurable and healthy pregnancy. Talk with your doctor, and with your partner as well! An informed couple is invaluable and leads to a much healthier sex life during pregnancy.
See you next time!
Read more: Postpartum Care – Sex After or During the Recovery Period
