SEX DURING PREGNANCY
Written By: Caroline Meyer
They are many concerns people have when pregnant and one of them is whether or not baby can hear them during sexual intercourse. The truth is, by the third trimester, they can hear, but the sound is muffled and they won’t understand a thing in any case. Some people find an increased interest in sex during pregnancy while for others, there is minimal to no interest at all. That’s okay, whichever way it goes for you, this too will pass.
The second trimester is usually a time for increased sexual activity as you are over the morning sickness (hopefully), you are starting to get curvy but you don’t yet have a big belly which can make things a bit more complicated later on. There is absolutely no reason not to be sexually active during your pregnancy, as long as you both want it and your doctor has not specifically advised against it of course.
How safe is sex while pregnant?
Unless there is a medical reason and your midwife or doctor has recommended that you don’t have intercourse, sex is entirely safe for you, your partner and your growing baby. Even if penetration is prohibited, your medical advisor may allow other sexual stimulation while you are pregnant, so check with them first. Intercourse during pregnancy is generally good for you as it increases blood and releases happy hormones which can only benefit your baby.
What might be different?
There may be increased lubrication which makes the vagina feel a little looser. For others, the opposite happens and the pelvic floor muscles actually pull tighter making the vagina tighter (this can make penetration uncomfortable). Genitalia may also become more sensitive due to increased blood flow to these areas. Your breasts may also be larger and more sensitive as they start preparing for lactation. If it does not feel comfortable and even foreplay and lubrication is not helping, you don’t have to have penetrative sex. You can enjoy each other without it. If there is ongoing discomfort, visit your gynaecologist or health practitioner. Orgasms may actually be easier due to the hormones and increased blood flow. This might be this way throughout the pregnancy or can change from week to week due to hormone fluctuations.
Sex during pregnancy will not harm your baby as it is protected within your uterus and nothing can get in to the womb during this time. Unless you have been told to have pelvic rest, sex cannot harm you or the baby. The penis cannot reach the baby and ejaculate will not enter the womb either. Sex cannot cause a miscarriage. Miscarriages are generally as a result of a foetus which is not developing properly. You can actually have sex right up until labour starts. This would be a good time to stop though. If you have sex with new or multiple partners it is important to ensure that you are protected from STIs as these can cause miscarriage, early labour as well as a number of other health conditions.
There may be a little spotting during or after sex due to irritation of the cervix. If there is any pain or the spotting hasn’t stopped within 48 hours or it increases, make sure you see your doctor immediately as there may be a problem unrelated to having had sex while pregnant. There may be extra sensitivity issues where the breasts, nipples and genitalia can become super-sensitive due to hormones and blood flow. This can actually make sex painful for some women. If you are experiencing these types of issues, it is best to discuss it with your partner instead of just enduring. You can be intimate without having sex and it is important to be honest with your partner about how you feel. Interesting enough, many women actually experience orgasmic dreams due to the improved blood flow and hormone levels.
For some women, sex is not enjoyable during pregnancy due to a poor self-image while being pregnant. Hormones are fluctuating, you may be experiencing nausea or you may just have no desire at all. You may be battling to deal with the physical changes to your body. Some women just feel embarrassed by the idea of having sex while carrying a child. For others, this is a time of more sexual freedom as they are unable to become more pregnant and may want to experiment a little with their partner without that being a concern. Your partner may need to learn what turns you on as it may be quite different to what turned your pre-pregnant self on. You need to embrace yourself and your growing belly and know that there is no harm in enjoying your partner sexually while you are pregnant. If you both want to and it is enjoyable to both of you, go for it!