Is having sex while pregnant safe? Is there ever a time when having sex is inappropriate? Can an orgasm cause an early labor? What you should know is as follows.
You're apparently pregnant—congrats! and you're unsure if you can maintain your usual pattern of sex while pregnant. And what about dating after giving birth?
Keep reading, mom. Read on.
Is having sex while pregnant safe?
Most healthy, low-risk pregnant women can continue having sex without worrying. Baby is very well protected by the uterine wall's powerful muscles and the amniotic sac. During pregnancy, the thick mucus plug that covers your cervix also shields the unborn child from infection.
Early pregnancy sex
Some expectant parents are concerned that having sex while pregnant, especially in the first trimester, could result in a miscarriage. Having intercourse or engaging in other typical behaviors won't stop early miscarriages from happening because they are typically brought on by a genetic issue in the fetus or hormonal imbalances in the mother.
Remember that some pregnant women may not even desire sex during the first trimester owing to nausea, morning sickness, and extreme exhaustion. In the "magic middle" of pregnancy, this will probably pass, and you'll get back to having sex the way you normally do. Find out how to satisfy each other's demands for intimacy by discussing it with your partner.
Sex during a late pregnancy
Late in the third trimester, sex may be more challenging due to a larger belly. Find novel methods to lie down or other ways to be near and personal with your companion.
Remember that prostaglandins, which are known to relax the cervix, are present in semen. When, and only when, all biological components are prepared for birth in typical, low-risk pregnancies, softening the cervix "ripens" and opens it. Therefore, don't be concerned that having sex will result in an early labor.
Also effective is nipple stimulation. Nipple stimulation causes the release of the hormone oxytocin. Hospitals employ the same hormone to hasten labor or during a caesarian section.
These two methods can aid in naturally inducing a mother who is over 40 weeks pregnant. Of course, discuss what's best for you with your doctor and/or midwife.
advantages of having sex when pregnant
In fact, having sex when pregnant has a lot of benefits:
It can shield people from colds. A study discovered that sex increases IgA levels, an antibody that aids in boosting immunological response.
The pelvic floor and uterine walls are strengthened by orgasms throughout pregnancy, which helps with childbirth and speeds up postpartum recovery.
can lower your stress and blood pressure.
It's an effective workout. Your heart rate might rise during sexual activity, and using different muscles burns calories.
And more orgasms, better orgasms, and an increased interest in sex can all result from increased blood flow.
Is it okay if my lover engages in oral sex with me?
Yes, we are traveling there. And the majority of the time, oral sex is acceptable during pregnancy. There are a few exceptions, though. If your partner has oral herpes, he should avoid having oral sex with you in the third trimester or during an active outbreak (outbreak or not). You might wish to avoid oral sex if your partner is HIV positive or if you are unsure of his HIV status. Even though there is a low chance that you may get HIV from oral intercourse, it is still a possibility. If you do get HIV, it can easily be passed on to your unborn child.
Furthermore, avoid letting your spouse blow into your vagina. It may (very infrequently) lead to an air embolism, which is harmful to both you and the unborn child.
Is it acceptable to lubricate while pregnant?
However, we do have a suggestion for you. We don't love traditional lubrication products because they can aggravate both couples. Of course, it makes no sense to put chemicals inside of you while you are expecting a child.
It's crucial to use a traditional, water-based lube rather than an oil-based lubricant when using condoms.
However, you're probably not using condoms if you're expecting and in a monogamous relationship. In that situation, we advise lubricating with some good ol' olive oil. It's convenient, all-natural, skin-healing, and absolutely wonderful.
Can orgasms cause early labor?
Nope. Uterine contractions can result after orgasms, but these contractions are typical and distinct from those you'll experience during labor. In fact, uterine contractions after sex are a sign of a healthy uterus, which is comforting if you're about to give birth.
Is there ever a moment when having sex during pregnancy should be avoided?
Pelvic rest, commonly known as refraining from sex while pregnant, may be advised by your doctor or midwife if:
You've previously experienced preterm labor or premature birth.
You experience irregular vaginal bleeding.
Your cervix starts to open up too soon (cervical insufficiency)
Your cervix is partially or entirely covered by the placenta (placenta previa)
You are leaking amniotic fluid or your membranes have burst.
You have a dilated cervix.
Having a baby has affected my sex drive. Is this standard?
Absolutely. It's absolutely natural to feel wholly uninterested in sex during pregnancy, extra interested, or everything in between due to the physical and emotional changes you're experiencing. Additionally, it's likely that you'll go through each of those stages of pregnancy at various times!
Although a woman's libido may change, many claim that having sex while pregnant is more enjoyable. One explanation is the increased blood flow to the pelvic region, which can amplify orgasm and feeling. Another reason could be that many pregnant women feel more confident about themselves and find it simpler to unwind and enjoy sex. In fact, it is true! Many women report feeling more self-assured now than they did before becoming pregnant.
How soon after the birth of the child may I have sex?
Most physicians and midwives advise delaying resumed sexual activity for six weeks after giving birth. Your body needs time to heal whether you gave birth vaginally or via cesarean (preferably a nice cesarean).
Your cervix is closing and your uterine lining is repairing during the first several weeks following delivery. The lochia flow slowing and ceasing is an indication that the healing process has completed or is almost complete. Your doctor or midwife may give you the all-clear to resume sexual activity if you didn't tear and your bleeding stopped before 6 weeks. It may be advised to wait until your 6-week postpartum appointment to ensure that the stitches and laceration have healed if you did experience tears or an episiotomy, particularly if you required stitches.
Despite this, many women aren't prepared for sexual activity at six weeks after giving birth. Some people have discomfort or suffering for several months (consult your doctor if you have concerns). It may be forbidden to engage in sexual activity for a short while, but it's perfectly safe for you to experience orgasm in other ways.
Some ladies simply aren't emotionally prepared for intimacy just yet. Finding the time or having the desire for sex can be extremely difficult due to the stress and exhaustion of having a new baby as well as the necessity of frequent breastfeeding. For a while, some women need to feel that their body is their own. Continue to express your feelings to your spouse, and for the time being, find alternative methods to fulfill each other's desires for closeness.
References
- Feature, Kara. “10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex.” WebMD. WebMD. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/sex-and-health>.
- “Sex during Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not.” Mayo Clinic. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/art-20045318?pg=2>.
- “Sexual Frequency and Salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA).” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 4 Apr. 2015. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15217036>.
