When a woman is expecting her miracle of life, while being intimate with her partner, she might think that the baby is feeling unwell, seeing the penis, or being poked by it. However, what few people know is that in a healthy pregnancy, intimacy during pregnancy only enhances the couple’s love and connection. We must remember that for normal sexual activity, the pregnancy must not be high-risk, and the mother must not have any bleeding or medical restrictions. But getting back to the subject, do you know what the baby feels during sexual intercourse? What does the hormonal surge cause for the baby? Will the baby become restless, calm, feel pokes from the penis, or even the mother’s emotions, and will that reflect any chemical reaction?
Yes, the mother’s bodily reactions are very intense and these are directly reflected in the baby. Although we may think that the baby will suffer some problem or harmful consequence, it is exactly the opposite; intimacy during pregnancy is extremely healthy for both mother and baby1. During sex, the woman’s body releases several hormones, among them oxytocin (the pleasure hormone), adrenaline which is responsible for the feeling of adventure, and dopamine which sends sensations from the body to the brain.
Oxytocin and adrenaline are responsible for a significant acceleration of the pregnant woman’s heart and the baby’s, as these cross the placenta and reach the baby directly. Sexual arousal brings about a large increase in blood circulation in the mother’s body, causing a certain acceleration of the baby’s heart. The baby’s heart usually beats faster than an adult’s, about 120 to 160 beats2. During sexual intercourse, these beats can increase by up to 30%, but it is harmless to the baby.
Movements During Intimacy in Pregnancy
Shaking, that is the word that best describes the baby’s sensation during sexual intercourse. The baby feels the “impact” of the act gently, more like little shakes. This same sensation can occur if the pregnant woman runs for a few minutes. The movements during penetration are all cushioned by the body’s protection designed by nature and no, it is not possible for the baby to see the father’s penis. The amniotic sac is like a mattress that prevents any impact, including that from sexual intercourse or any other sudden movement3.
These impacts do not harm the baby, and even if the mother leans on her belly, the baby will not be harmed. Although not harmful, it is recommended that the expectant mother saves adventurous positions for after pregnancy and, during pregnancy, chooses the most comfortable ones possible. Avoid the missionary position at the end of pregnancy, as it can push the uterus upwards and cause a feeling of breathing discomfort. Choose side positions, doggy style, or on top. The baby may become more active during sex, and in the last weeks of pregnancy, this can become more noticeable during intercourse, especially when the partner places a hand on the mother’s belly, or even just to the mother herself.
Contractions During and After Sex in Pregnancy
It’s common for pregnant women to report feeling contractions (a hardening of the belly) during sexual activity and even after sex. Usually, this happens due to intense blood flow to the pelvic region. The blood is more concentrated in the vagina and uterus, so feeling the belly harden a few times is perfectly normal and harmless.
It is only recommended that the woman pay attention to any pain or bleeding, even if very slight or mild. If this happens, the pregnant woman should speak to an obstetrician to investigate the bleeding, which in the vast majority of cases is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel, with a large blood flow in the cervix or vagina.
And what about the mother’s orgasm? Does it harm the pregnancy? Orgasm is the intense contraction of the vaginal muscles, and with it, there is an intense release of the hormones already mentioned, oxytocin and adrenaline. The baby feels more squeezed, as if getting a tight hug due to the uterine contraction, but it is still perfectly comfortable and safe. In short, having sex during pregnancy is 100% beneficial, even close to delivery, but check with your doctor before fully experiencing this wonderful phase!
see also: Orgasm During Pregnancy – Sexuality Like No Other!
