Breaking the myths about Indulging in Sex during Pregnancy

Most of the couples the expecting couples have doubts on this issue. Many are confused whether it is safe and okay to have sex in pregnancy? Will it harm the baby or the expecting mother in any way? Is it safe? What positions to incorporate? and what all precautions to take?

In most of the pregnancy cases, it is safe to have an intercourse. However, the sexual life of a couple undergoes a drastic change during this period. This can be due to the mood swings and fluctuating sexual desires of the expecting mother, her no confidence  or consciousness towards her bulging or changes in the body and it can also be due to less attractiveness from the male partner towards her changing body.

Many times, this is due to the misunderstandings or awkwardness felt by women towards their changing body. Many pregnant women feel awkward and afraid while having sex, and cannot perform as they used to. In addition, many are scared that their partners may not find them sexy or attractive like before. However, according to a study, men find their women more attractive during pregnancy. Thanks to those bigger breasts, voluptuous curves, sensuous abdomen curve, silky smooth hair and glowing skin that comes along with the pregnancy. 

How to Feel Sexy While Pregnant

Since the growing belly and other physical and emotional changes can make a pregnant woman less confident about her looks, it can take a toll on the sexual life of a couple. However, there are ways to boost your morale and confidence towards your changing body and bring back the lost spark in your bedroom:

• If you do not feel sexually aroused then talk to your partner about your apprehensions and doubts. An open and honest discussion will help clear your doubts and will boost your confidence in bed.
• Focus more on the Foreplay rather than the real action. Try kissing, cuddling and exploring each other’s body and let the foreplay steam up gradually to the next step of sexual intercourse. Try massages, baths, etc to feel closer and comfortable with your partner.
• Fill your closet with sexy lingerie specially designed for pregnant women. You can pile up on special bikinis, thongs, bras, and negligees available easily for pregnant women.
• Spoil yourself with spas, and other beauty treatments in a salon. This can boost your confidence and make you look even prettier.
• Exercise and watch out your weight. This will also help you regain your figure post delivery.

 

Comfort during Sex: Due to the large belly, you may have to try alternative positions while making love, to make it safer and more comfortable for both of you. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to venture out and try new and more comfortable sex positions and postures. Talk with your partner openly about this and clear all your doubts and fears. Some safe positions are Woman on side, woman on top, hands and knees, etc.
Refer to books on this topic or browse the internet to get more information on these different positions.

Safety during Sex: If you have a normal and healthy pregnancy, without any medical complications, you can indulge in sex, as it is safe for you and your unborn baby. Sex is safe for an expecting mother in all stages, if she does not have any risk of miscarriage or preterm labour.
Some couples are afraid that sex can harm or hurt their baby and many men think that sex can hurt the pregnant women. However, these are not true. The baby is well protected in the Amniotic sac, which acts like a fluid cushion for the baby, and protects it from the movements created during the intercourse. In addition, the abdomen and the pelvis muscles act like a protective wall for the unborn child. The vaginal mucus ensures that your baby is well protected from any potential infections during sex.
However, if you feel any uncommon difficulty or unease during or after intercourses then consult your doctor immediately.

Tips while having Sex during Pregnancy:

• Talk openly with your partner and discuss this issue lovingly and honestly. Do not play blame games.
• When in doubt, ask your doctor or midwife for advice.
• Try to become comfortable with each other’s body by having baths together, giving each other a sensuous massage, going out for romantic dinners, etc.
• Do not indulge in having sex with multiple partners or a stranger to avoid getting STDs. Only have an intercourse with a known person, who does not have any infections or STDs. If uncertain, use condoms.
• Instead of focusing on the number of times you have sex, focus more on the quality of your love making session.
• If you cannot have intercourse or are recommended to stay off sex during your pregnancy due to medal reasons, then you can indulge in oral sex with your partner to keep up the sparks.

 

When Not To Have Sex:

While having sex is absolutely normal and safe in a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy, however there are situations or cases in which sex should be avoided during pregnancy:

• When your doctor or midwife advices against it.
• When your placenta lies over the neck of the womb. In this case, there are risks of bleeding during or after sex.
• If you have a history of prior premature birth, premature labour, miscarriages or any other birth complications.
• If your placenta is covering the cervix
• If your water has been broken or you have a dilated cervix
• In case of an odd vaginal discharge
• When you experience pain in your abdomen
• When you have a twin or multiple pregnancy
• When you or your partner suffers from a STD
• If you are experiencing bleeding while pregnancy
• If you are experiencing early signs of labour in the last 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy
• If you have undergone a  reproductive medical treatment
• If you experience pain while urinating