You and your partner might have had plenty of bedroom sessions when you were trying to conceive, but now that you are pregnant, having sex might have taken a backseat. First, because you may be sceptical and wonder if having sex will harm your baby, and second, when you are expecting you go through many physical changes and they can leave you feeling fatigued and nauseated.
But there’s one thing that you can’t deny: having intercourse when you are expecting can be a sweet adventure in itself, and it also helps you bond better with your partner. So if you feel comfortable enough, and have the green light from your doctor, you should continue getting intimate with your partner.
Although if you’re still a bit hesitant, we have the perfect guide that covers everything you need to know about having sex during pregnancy: from safety tips to best sex positions, we have got you covered.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Sex Life
As your pregnancy progresses and hormones shift, you will notice that your desire to have sex will come and go. In fact, here are some common sex drive changes that you will experience during pregnancy.
- First trimester: In the first trimester, your body goes through certain physical (increase in breast size) and hormonal changes, which can make you feel good and enhance your sex drive. But during this time, you will also experience discomforts such as nausea, vomitting, fatigue, and breast soreness. All these symptoms can negatively impact your mood and make you less interested in sex.
- Second trimester: Once the discomforts of the first trimester fade, several women begin to feel better. Moreover, during this time, your belly will not be as big as it would be in the last trimester. In fact, you may experience a higher sex drive during this time, than you did before pregnancy. Also, with the increase in blood flow to your genitals, orgasms will happen easily and more often.
- Third trimester: It is acceptable to have sex until the last day of your pregnancy unless your doctor recommends otherwise. However, towards the end of your pregnancy, you will mostly be consumed with thoughts of labour and childcare, reducing your interest in sex. Further, as the belly grows, you might feel uncomfortable during the act.
What Are The Multiple Benefits Of Having Sex During Pregnancy
You will be surprised to know that sex during pregnancy comes with some pretty sweet perks. Here are some benefits of pregnancy sex that you should know:
- It can help you sleep better: Sex during pregnancy can induce post-coital relaxation that will help you sleep better.
- It is great for your health: A 30-minute sex sesh can burn around 50 calories. Also, it helps lower your blood pressure.
- It eases pain and discomforts: Orgasm releases a hormone called oxytocin, which increases your pain tolerance and helps relieve backaches and other pregnancy-related aches.
- It enhances your mood: Orgasms also release endorphins, a kind of hormone responsible for boosting your happiness levels. Therefore, sex during pregnancy can uplift your mood and also help you relax.
- It strengthens your emotional bond with your partner: Pregnancy is no less than a roller-coaster journey, for both you and your partner. Being intimate with each other is a great way to stay connected during this time.
4 Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy
The sex positions that you and your partner usually prefer can be a little uncomfortable during pregnancy. Moreover, some positions are considered unsafe during this time. Here are some safe sex positions for pregnant women.
- Spooning: In this position, you may lie sideways, while your partner lies behind you. This position helps in lowering the pressure on the belly.
- On the top: This position allows you to manage the speed and maintain your comfort during sex. It also helps take the pressure off your belly.
- On your partner’s lap: In this position, the partner’s body supports you during sex. It is safe as it doesn’t add any pressure on the belly.
- On all fours: In this position, you have to support yourself using your palms and knees, to reduce the pressure placed on the belly. However, this position can get uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
Do keep in mind that due to increased blood flow in the body, your genitalia is more sensitive during pregnancy. Hence, use lubricated condoms or water-based lubricants to prevent any discomfort.
When To Avoid Having Sex During Pregnancy
Image caption: You should avoid having sex if you are having twins or multiples, or if your water has broken.
If your healthcare provider advises you to refrain from sexual intercourse during pregnancy, it’s mostly due to the following reasons:
- If you are pregnant with twins or triplets
- Have a history of premature birth or labour
- If your water has broken
- If you have a history of miscarriage
- If there’s unexplained vaginal discharge or bleeding
- If you have an incompetent or dilated cervix
- If you have a low-lying placenta or placenta previa
These factors are only suggestive guidelines and do not mean you cannot have sex during pregnancy. Remember, unless your doctor says otherwise, you can enjoy intimacy with your partner till the very last day, unless otheriwse advised by your doctor.