Sex during pregnancy is a touchy subject. A lot of myths and misconceptions exist about what’s safe during pregnancy, and what usually feels good when you’re not pregnant can be quite different to what sex you enjoy when you’re pregnant.
Sex during pregnancy is fine…
Sex during pregnancy is fine – almost anytime if your pregnancy is normal – that is, you aren’t experiencing any pregnancy complications and your pregnancy is not threatened – sex can’t hurt you or the baby, even if your partner is on top. However, if you have any bleeding, placenta praevia, or cervical weakness, or if you are at a risk of premature labour, your LMC may advise you to hold off on sex for certain trimesters or for the duration of your pregnancy. You also shouldn’t have sex once you’ve had a “show” or your waters have broken, as you can be at risk of infection once your mucous plug has come away.
Do what feels right, when it feels right.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, when morning sickness seems to last all day long and you want to go to bed at 5pm, sex can be the furthest thing from your mind. Likewise the final trimester of pregnancy, when walking to the letterbox is a major effort and you can’t sleep because you can’t get comfortable, or you just feel huge. Your desire can fluctuate a great deal when you’re pregnant, so if you don’t feel like having sex, you’re perfectly normal. You’re also perfectly normal if you have surges of libido that make you feel like ripping your partner’s clothes off the minute they walk in the door! Try to go with the flow and enjoy the changes your body is undergoing.
Try a change of position.
Try a change of position when you are havign sex when pregnant. The missionary position (woman on the bottom) isn’t the most comfortable way to have sex when pregnant, as your bump starts to grow and can get in the way as your pregnancy progresses. Consider trying different sexual positions until you find one that feels good for both of you. Woman on top, hands and knees, laying on your side, spooning, or your partner kneeling on the floor next to the bed are all sexual positions that are both satisfying and more comfortable when you’re pregnant. Many women say that sex during pregnancy is deeply satisfying, as the blood flow to your pelvic area is increased and can heighten sensation. Oral sex is another option that can be more enjoyable during pregnancy, for both partners.
