Can you have sex when you are pregnant?

A pregnant woman can safely have sex if the pregnancy is going well. Which sex positions are suitable during pregnancy? And what should you pay attention to?

Also read: Pregnancy calendar: your pregnancy week by week

The importance of communication

Sexuality during pregnancy varies from person to person. In women, hormonal factors and physical changes may affect libido, and partners also have to get used to the situation and the physical changes that pregnancy brings… It is important to communicate about problems or doubts.

Also read: Communication in a relationship: do you speak the same love language?

Is having sex during pregnancy dangerous for the baby?

It is not true that having sex or having an orgasm during pregnancy can harm the baby. It is also not likely that having sex will cause premature birth or miscarriage. Even if you have had a miscarriage before. The fetus cannot be harmed or get an infection from intercourse. Not only is the embryo protected by the mucus plug, amniotic fluid and the lining of the uterus, but the cervix is ​​also closed, so that sperm cannot reach the baby.

Also read: “Doctors should warn pregnant women about care products containing hormone disruptors”

When is it best not to have sex during pregnancy?

No desire for sex during pregnancy

During the first three months, many women have less desire to have sex, especially if it is their first pregnancy. Several factors explain this loss of libido: hormonal changes, fatigue, nausea, fear of harming the baby… The need for intimacy and tenderness remains and can even be increased.

Also read: No more sex drive since giving birth? Sexologist Vanessa offers advice

Pregnant and pain during sex

Why can sex be painful during pregnancy?

• Because the vagina, labia, clitoris, breasts and nipples are more sensitive, orgasms can be more intense. After an orgasm, your stomach may even hurt because the muscles in your stomach have contracted. This is not dangerous. Breathing calmly, taking a warm bath or using a hot water bottle can help you relax.
• Because the vagina shortens, deep penetration with the penis can be very sensitive. In addition, the vagina is drier during pregnancy.
• The increased pressure on the bladder can also make intercourse uncomfortable.
• During pregnancy, varicose veins can develop around the vagina, which can be painful.
• Also a yeast infection or bladder infection due to the change in acidity of the vagina can cause pain. Consult your doctor if this happens.

Also read: Pain during sex: causes, symptoms and treatment

What sex positions during pregnancy?

The traditional position with the man on top may not be practical anymore as your belly rounds out. Other sexual positions are more suitable. Find a comfortable position together and take the time to discuss what you both like.

Some sex positions for during pregnancy:

• Woman on top: The woman squats or kneels on top of her partner.
• On her knees: the woman sits on her partner's lap. If the penis goes in too deep, sit on a chair so that the woman's feet are on the floor and she can control the movement.
• On the edge of the bed: The woman sits or lies on the edge of the bed, with her partner kneeling on the floor in front of her.
• Man on top: when the man is resting on his knees, elbows or forearms. This way he doesn't touch his partner's belly.
• Sideways: Face to face. The woman lifts one leg to give her partner space.
• Spooning position: both partners lie on their sides, the man behind the woman.
• On hands and knees: The woman lies on her hands and knees with her partner behind her.

On the other hand, pregnancy is a great time to enjoy other intimate contact, such as cuddling, caressing each other with your hands or mouth… Even without penetration, sexual contact can be completely satisfying.

Also read: Do you get sagging breasts from breastfeeding?

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