For the most part, sex during pregnancy really shouldn’t be all that different from sex at other times. Sex is safe, fun and a great way to celebrate this special time in your life with your partner. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
- If your doctor gives you specific instructions, it’s important to follow them. For some women (few and far between) it is not okay to have vaginal intercourse or orgasms and your doctor will make those special instructions perfectly clear.
- If you are prone to early labor, your doctor may give you special instructions in the last month or so of the pregnancy and tell you to avoid specific activities such as nipple stimulation or orgasm that may lead to vaginal contractions.
However, the vast majority of women can just continue having sex any way they want throughout the pregnancy and the only rules to remember are:
- Make sure you are physically comfortable! Sometimes pregnancy can feel like the “invasion of the body snatchers.” You may not know on any given day what part of your body (and hence what position) may feel squeezed, tight or just plain hurt. Pay attention. If it’s not comfortable to be on your back today, have sex in another position. It can be a good time to experiment.
- Pillows can be a good friend when you’re pregnant. You can use them under your backside or lean on them sideways in order to make your body feel “more even” when you’re having sex.
- Women’s libidos go up and down during pregnancy. Yours probably will too. That’s fine. Don’t panic if you’re not in the mood today, but pay attention and don’t assume you won’t be in the mood tomorrow.
- Some people say that when you’ve gone full term intercourse and orgasm can bring on the labor. Hey, it sure beat Pitocin.
- Keep your sense of humor. Making love during pregnancy can be powerful and meaningful. It can also, at times, deteriorate and make you feel like a beached whale. If you and your partner can find the humor and laugh about it, the whole experience can make you feel closer to each other, and that will be good for the soon-to-be child.
