Unless the pregnancy is considered high-risk it is completely safe to continue making love throughout pregnancy. You need have no fears of dislodging or infecting the foetus or instigating premature labour as your baby is securely protected in the womb. The amniotic fluid acts as cushioning from impact and the mucus plug provides a seal to the womb.
Although the female orgasm involves contraction of the uterus it will not trigger labour unless it was due to start anyway. If your partner notices spotting of blood or the mucus plug has already come away (which could occur anytime in the last four to five weeks) then sex is not advised due to the risk of infection.
Fluctuating Appetite For Sex
A pregnant woman’s interest in sex may fluctuate considerably, even from day to day. Tiredness and hormonal changes are largely responsible for this. Many women find it difficult to feel sexy with an ever-expanding waist and protruding abdomen. Other women claim sex during pregnancy to be the most erotic and fulfilling of all.
Sexual Discovery
For many couples it is a time of sexual discovery and letting go of inhibitions. With contraception no longer an issue, many women say they are able to reach heightened levels of sexual excitement. Some women even admit that until they became pregnant, they had been ignorant of pelvic floor muscle control during lovemaking. Others have claimed to have their first orgasm while pregnant.
The middle trimester is often the time for wonderful sex as your partner’s energy levels have replenished and there is still the ability to move around easily.
Changing Shape
Some men find it difficult to cope with their partner’s changing shape and are bewildered by their own reaction and subsequent loss of sexual appetite. Others welcome their partner’s new curves but are fearful of harming their unborn child or causing pain during making love.
Allow yourselves the time to create a harmonious atmosphere to express your sexual responses and needs. It is important to discuss your feelings and frustrations gently without either of you feeling rejected. Sometimes cuddles and kisses are more appropriate than sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be a fabulous bond for you both at a time when everything else around you is changing.
Be open to new ways of making love. Sex during pregnancy should always be gentle and loving.
A Different Approach
Explore mutual masturbation, oral sex and other forms of foreplay. Allow more time for sex and take things slowly, being sure to use positions that are comfortable for you both.
As your partner becomes larger, the best positions are those that do not encourage deep penetration. These positions are woman on top, side by side or on all fours. The conventional missionary position of man on top is rarely comfortable unless the man supports himself so that he is not exerting any weight on the woman.
Express Your Thoughts
However you both are feeling, find the time to create a harmonious atmosphere to express your sexual responses and needs. It is important to discuss your feelings and frustrations gently without either of you feeling rejected. Sometimes cuddles and kisses are more appropriate than sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be a fabulous bond for you both at a time when every thing else around you is changing.
Be open to new ways of making love. Sex during pregnancy should always be gentle and loving.