Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Ryan
Sexual relations and pregnancy are topics that people talk about very timidly, often expectant women do not dare to ask this question even to a gynecologist. Will sexual intercourse not harm the baby’s development? Is it possible to make love in the last weeks? These and many other questions worry couples who are expecting their first child. Keeping that in mind, in this article, we will know more about the advantages and disadvantages of sex during pregnancy.
Sex during pregnancy: Advantages
There is no ban on sex during pregnancy. Doctors see in it not only psychological but also physiological benefits.
Emotional Bonding
A harmonious sex life allows the family to maintain an atmosphere of love for each other and contributes to the preservation of cooperative parental relationships. Prolonged abstinence can lead to irritability, emotional and physical stress. During pregnancy, a woman needs confirmation that, despite her changed appearance, a man still considers her beautiful, sexy, and desirable. There can also be a psychological moment. Sex can help maintain emotional closeness and intimacy between partners during a time when physical changes and emotional stressors may arise. During intimacy, a woman feels beautiful, desired, and loved. Sexual attractiveness increases a woman’s self-confidence.
Improved mood
Sexual activity can release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This can be especially beneficial for pregnant individuals who may experience mood swings due to hormonal changes. Sex and intimacy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is important for both the pregnant person and their partner. Orgasms release endorphins, which can help mother and baby relax and feel happy.
Increased blood flow and stronger orgasms
Stronger orgasms are influenced by the level of increasing hormones – progesterone and estrogen – which determine changes in the body and increased lust: breasts become larger, nipples are more sensitive, more blood flows into the pelvis, and the vagina becomes more moist. A rounder figure makes you feel sexier and don’t have to worry about contraception. Sexual arousal increases blood flow to the pelvic area, potentially benefiting the pelvic organs and promoting overall circulation. Increased blood flow to the genitals can mean a higher number of stronger orgasms in pregnant women.
Stimulator of childbirth
In the third trimester, especially in the last weeks, sex becomes an excellent birth stimulant. It’s just important to do it without a condom. Ask why? It turns out that semen contains special substances – prostaglandins. They have a positive effect on the uterus, softening it and preparing it for future childbirth. In other words, they speed up the process and reduce the risk of ruptures. Also, the uterus is a muscular organ. The contraction that occurs during orgasm is a kind of training before childbirth. However, you and your partner should have intercourse during the third trimester when it is recommended by the doctor.
Healthy pregnancy
in 2004 a study showed that sex increases the number of IgA antibodies that help protect against colds and other infections. So, sex during pregnancy boosts your immunity. Feel-good hormones protect against pregnancy-induced hypertension and diabetes and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Physical connection
Engaging in sexual activity can help couples feel physically connected and close, even as the pregnant person’s body changes. Sexual activity during pregnancy brings partners closer together.
Keeping fit
It is worth remembering that sex is a physical activity that burns calories. Sex supports the physical fitness of both partners.
Disadvantages of Having Sex During Pregnancy
Doctors also recommend avoiding sex in certain health conditions. When should sex during pregnancy be avoided?
Bleeding
However, there bleeding is a sign that indicates that it is not safe to have sex during pregnancy. Bleeding can be a sign of inflammation, the growth of the cervix, preterm labor, or a problem with the placenta. If you experience bleeding, consult your healthcare provider.
Physical discomfort
As pregnancy progresses, the pregnant person’s body undergoes various physical changes that might make certain sexual positions uncomfortable or even painful. Also, some women may simply feel less comfortable with sexual activity during pregnancy due to the physical and emotional changes they’re experiencing.
Risk of infection
If pregnant women have any problems with the cervix, they are generally more susceptible to infections, and there’s a slightly higher risk of vaginal infections during pregnancy. Various infections impact both the expectant mother and the baby.
Carrying more than more fetus
It is not advisable to have sex if you are expecting twins or more babies and in the later stages of pregnancy.
Preterm labor risk
If there is a risk of preterm labor, placenta previa, or other complications, healthcare providers might advise against sex to reduce the risk of triggering contractions.
Amniotic fluid leakage
In rare cases, vigorous sexual activity might lead to the rupture of the amniotic sac, potentially causing the amniotic fluid to leak.
Cervical changes
In some situations, sexual activity could cause mild spotting due to increased blood flow to the cervix. However, spotting can also result from other factors unrelated to sex.
The bottom line
It’s important to note that every women’s and generally couple’s experiences can vary widely. In many cases, sex during pregnancy is safe and enjoyable. However, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your partner and your healthcare provider. There are some health conditions in which sex during pregnancy should be avoided. If you have concerns about bleeding, cervical changes, preterm labor, and engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy, do not hesitate to discuss these concerns with a medical healthcare provider.
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How does a couple’s life change during pregnancy?
Sex life changes during pregnancy due to physiological and anatomical reasons. Also, the growing belly prevents having sex in certain positions. The stereotypes and the environment can change sex life during pregnancy. A woman’s sexuality and attitude towards pregnancy look different for each person. Some men find it difficult to reconcile a pregnant body with the image of a sexy and attractive woman. Sometimes a woman herself may not feel sexy. However, there are cases when couples say that pregnancy only improves their sex life even more because neither of them needs to think about contraceptives, the woman does not have a menstrual cycle and PMS.
What is the best time to have sex during pregnancy?
The best time during pregnancy to have sex is the second semester. Use a due date calculator to track pregnancy and estimate the expected date of delivery. The due date is an approximation of when a baby is likely to be born based on the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP) and the average length of a human pregnancy.Â
Does the child in the uterus feel something when the parents make love?
The amniotic fluid and the uterus protect the fetus in the uterus. The uterus is a strong muscle. All the baby can feel is the moves and emotions – the blood brings the feel-good hormones. Sometimes couples fear that the fetus may be injured, but it is impossible to touch the fetus directly.
What are the recommended love positions?
Sexual relations must be calmer. The couple chooses the sex positions by themselves, but there must be no pressure on the abdomen during intercourse.
Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
