With low-risk pregnancies, all forms of sex are often safe, although some situations may increase the risk. When to use caution: here.
Many predicted changes are brought on by pregnancy: As the uterus grows, your breasts enlarge and become more sensitive, and you could feel tired and nauseous. The change in your libido, though, may not have been anything you had anticipated. While some women find that they crave sex while they are pregnant, others discover that sex is the last thing in their thoughts. The good news is that everything is typical.
It is impossible to predict who will experience what emotions. She claims that every experience is unique, just like every pregnancy is unique.
Continue reading to find out what sexual activities are safe during pregnancy (and immediately after) and when they shouldn’t be done, as well as what to watch out for that might be cause for concern.
Is Sexual Activity Safe When Pregnant?
For women with healthy pregnancies, having sex at any stage of pregnancy is safe. The fetus is protected during sex, by the amniotic sac and uterine muscles. Thus there’s no need to be concerned about “hurting the baby” when having sex.
The frequency of sex during pregnancy can be influenced by misconceptions about its safety and the nature of the activity. In contrast to one to two times a week before conception, the majority of participants in a 2016 research of persons in their third trimester’s sexual activity had sex one to three times each month during pregnancy.
Fears about the health of the fetus were one of the main causes of decreased sexual activity. Participants’ primary sources of information on the subject, according to 64% of them, were the internet and health care practitioners, according to only 30%. According to researchers, health care practitioners ought to consult more often on this subject.
It would be beneficial to have the doctors start the topic during prenatal visits. A large portion of people who either their partners are inquiring about that, or they’re inquiring on behalf of their partner because they’re scared to ask, too shy, or not yet comfortable.
When to Exercise Care
During penetrative intercourse, mild cramps and spotting are typical, Spotting will occasionally occur in the low-risk pregnant individual if they have no previously reported issues, we’ve performed an ultrasound that looks healthy, and the placenta is in a good place.” Spotting in these low-risk circumstances is unimportant.
Blood vessels in the cervix can occasionally rupture as a result of the increased blood flow that occurs during pregnancy paired with a larger cervix, which can cause spotting. However, you should contact a healthcare professional if you see a lot of blood—such as enough to wet a pad—as this is not typical or if you are worried and want a professional opinion. Always follow your instinct if something doesn’t feel right.
when to avoid having sex
While most of the time, having sex while pregnant is completely safe, there are several circumstances in which a medical professional may urge you to avoid having penetrating sex. These circumstances, include: “Semenal fluid contains molecules called prostaglandins, and prostaglandins can produce uterine contractions. So, if you have any risk factors for preterm labor or placental abruption, penis-in-vagina sex can be dangerous (when the placenta prematurely detaches before birth).
Additional risk factors that need discussing with a healthcare professional include newer partners who are STD unsure or who have tested positive for a STI early in pregnancy.
What about masturbation, anal sex, oral sex, and sex toys?
According to a handout provided by the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, all types of sex are safe during pregnancy unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to refrain from it. Some types of sex include:
genital sex
Sexual activity between the legs
dental sex
Masturbation
Adult toys
Masturbation or the use of toys can occasionally be beneficial because having sex during the second and third trimesters is uncomfortable. Toys (and body parts, for that matter) can travel from one place to another, it’s crucial to wash them after each usage (for example, between anal and vaginal play).
Why Your Desire May Differ
During pregnancy or at specific points in your pregnancy, you could have intense sex cravings. Nevertheless, you can find yourself at the other extreme and not want to be touched at all. Another option is to fall someplace in the middle. All of these situations are typical.
This is so that people might be affected differently by the bodily changes associated with pregnancy. For instance, while some people find the increased breast sensitivity enjoyable, others find it overpowering. Similar to morning sickness, excessive exhaustion can make it challenging to feel ready for sex. On the other hand, some people experience an increase in desire and sexual satisfaction as a result of the increased blood flow to the pelvis.
What Concerns Postnatal Sex?
Most OB-GYNs advise waiting six weeks after giving birth before having intercourse again. This is due to the fact that your body requires time to recuperate and mend after giving birth.
Recovery requires so much effort, “More than only the birth took place. For those nine to ten months, you made accommodations in your life. And a variety of factors, like as an episiotomy, tear repair, or C-section incision, may prolong the time needed for physical healing.
But it’s not simply about having a prepared body. While facing a very high learning curve on how to raise a newborn, new parents frequently feel worn out and touched out. While some people resume sexual activity after six weeks (or perhaps earlier), according to Davison, the majority need more time.
When you do resume having sex:
Start using birth control if you don’t want to become pregnant straight immediately.
For penetrative intercourse, use a lubricant with a water basis.
Try different positions.
Try alternative sexual activities if penetration is uncomfortable.
A smart approach to test your postpartum body and determine what feels nice and what doesn’t is to masturbate and use sex toys before starting to have sex with a partner again.
the conclusion
While having sex while pregnant is generally safe, each circumstance is different. Hence, during your pregnancy, having an open and ongoing conversation about sex with a healthcare professional is the best way to be certain.
Furthermore, when pregnant, open communication with a sexual partner is more important than ever. Giving your spouse a list of your likes and dislikes as well as an explanation of your wish or lack thereof will help them comprehend and relate to your situation. Although having these talks at first may feel awkward, over time they may help you feel more in control.