When you’re pregnant, everybody always seems to be telling you what you can’t do. No drinking. No unpasteurized cheeses. No tattoos. You can’t even go skydiving! Fortunately, there are still some fun activities that you can do while pregnant, not the least of which is the one that got you there: sex. Sex can include intercourse and other forms of pleasure – including masturbation.
Is sex during pregnancy safe?
Usually! Unless you have a pregnancy complication like where your OB provider recommended “pelvic rest,” sex is generally considered safe throughout pregnancy.
Many people get concerned about how sex might affect their growing baby, but thankfully — they are totally unaware. Your little one is peacefully in their own space. And sex is not linked to miscarriage or preterm birth, so rest assured you are not causing your baby or your pregnancy harm.
What are some good pregnancy positions?
Sex during pregnancy is all about being comfortable. Almost any sex position you enjoy when not pregnant is safe while you’re carrying Baby — it’s just important to find out which ones are comfortable for you while you’re pregnant. Starting in the second trimester, it’s best to stay off of your back for long periods of time. Your circulation is better when there isn’t pressure on those large blood vessels that run up and down your back.
As your body grows, your comfort in and enjoyment of a position may change, so you might need to do some firsthand research to figure out what a good position is for you. However, lots of pregnant people recommend on the side or on top of your partner as best for the bump.
Benefits of sex during pregnancy
Pregnancy can be unpredictable — between the physical symptoms, the external stressors, and the hormones, life can be challenging when you’re carrying a baby. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay happy and relaxed throughout your journey, including sex. And there are plenty of pregnancy benefits, which include, but are not limited to:
- Exercise: Sex is a creative way to stay active, and activity has multiple pregnancy health benefits
- Brings partners closer: Sex can be a great way to reconnect, and communication about your needs is key.
- Improves mood: Sex is scientifically proven to raise your endorphin levels!
- Can reduce the risk of preeclampsia: some studies suggest that regular intercourse with the same long-term partner in early pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Read more
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/31/2015. Web.
- W Back. “Sex during pregnancy.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 6/15/2015. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress management – Stress Basics.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/8/2014. Web.
- C White. “Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 11/21/2014. Web.
- “Cervical insufficiency and short cervix.” March of Dimes. March of Dimes, 6/3/2016. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Amniocentesis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 6/3/2016. Web.
