Thinking about having sex during pregnancy can feel a bit awkward, but it is safe for most women to continue having sex with their partner right up until labor begins. You may worry about hurting the baby, but the amniotic sac cushions the baby and the mucus plug protects baby from infection.
You may find that during the first and third trimester the desire for sex wanes, while during the second trimester you may experience an increased libido. Your body is going through a lot of change. Some of those changes can make sex outright uncomfortable, while others seem to increase pleasure.
Emotions
Your emotions may play into how you feel about having sex during your pregnancy. You may feel too moody or irritable to feel intimate with your partner or you may feel an increase in your libido. It may be hard to reconcile your maternal and sexual needs, leaving you feeling dirty. All of these feelings are completely normal. Openly discuss your feelings with your partner. It will help the two of you stay emotionally connected as well as allowing your partner to understand what you are going through.
Physical Changes
As your body changes it may become uncomfortable to have sex with your partner as usual. Get creative. Discover new ways of pleasing your partner and allowing him to please you. Some positions you may find comfortable now are lying on your side, on your hands and knees, or on top of your partner. If intercourse is too uncomfortable, look to other mutually pleasing activities.
Your body will be more sensitive to touch. Blood flow to the pelvic region has increased and breasts may feel tender. For a lot of women this is an added benefit that makes sex more enjoyable. However, some women find these sensations unpleasant. Again, talk to your partner and let him know what you are comfortable with.
You may find your growing womanly curves are sexy to your partner. Most men continue enjoying sex while their partner is pregnant and enjoy the physical changes.
When to Avoid Sex during Pregnancy
Your doctor or midwife will guide you on what is safe during your pregnancy. Women with placenta previa, who are currently bleeding, or have a history of premature birth should not have sex while pregnant. You should also abstain if you or your partner has an active sexually transmitted disease. You also shouldn’t have sex after your water breaks. While oral sex is generally safe for most women, your partner should never blow into the genital area. While rare, this could cause an air embolism, which is unsafe for you and your baby. Oral sex should also be avoided if your partner has an active outbreak of oral herpes. Always talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any specific concerns.
About the Author: Gina Davidson is the pregnancy expert behind All Nine Months. She uses her experience as a mother, grandmother, photographer, and writer to help couples enter parenthood successfully.
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- Sex During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know (everydayhealth.com)
