{"id":3129,"date":"2023-12-04T19:56:45","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T18:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=3129"},"modified":"2024-10-30T05:09:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T04:09:53","slug":"beyond-bump-sex-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/beyond-bump-sex-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy Sex: What’s Okay and What’s Not"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congratulations! You\u2019re embarking on a 9-month journey that is going to have its share of ups and downs, but doesn\u2019t need to mean the end of ins and outs. During pregnancy, sex may be the furthest thing from your mind, or it may be the only thing you\u2019re thinking about.<\/p>\n

Sex during pregnancy is totally healthy and pleasurable (unless your OB\/GYN has indicated otherwise), but it may require a few adjustments to your usual routine. Read below for helpful information and tips for the sex you can expect to have when you\u2019re expecting.<\/p>\n

Will I Want to Have Sex While Pregnant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many women don\u2019t feel like making love during the beginning of their first trimester (generally speaking, a trimester is one of three 13-week periods of your pregnancy) due to fatigue, nausea, and adjusting to the beginning changes of one\u2019s body. Some women will continue having sex all through this period, others just won\u2019t feel up to it \u2013 short answer: it’s completely up to you.<\/p>\n

Your second and third trimesters are when your hormonal changes begin to level out, and many women report a return of their sex drive. For this reason, the second trimester is referred to by some as the \u2018Honeymoon Period of Pregnancy\u2019.<\/p>\n

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Image via medichecks.com<\/em><\/p>\n

Does Pregnancy Sex Physically Feel Different?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because of your body\u2019s necessary changes when growing new life, sex can sometimes feel different. This is due to increased blood flow to the pelvis, as well as changes in breast and nipple sensitivity. Some women find this pleasurable while others don’t. Some women also report increased libido throughout their pregnancy (usually the second trimester), but some find that the hormonal fluctuations make them uninterested in sex.<\/p>\n

Pregnancy effect on libido via ResearchGate:<\/em><\/p>\n

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The most important thing at this time is to be open about your needs and comfort levels throughout pregnancy as they change. Your partner won\u2019t be able to anticipate your needs and desires, especially if you\u2019re surprised by them yourself, so keep the lines of communication open<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Will He Want Sex when I’m Pregnant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It’s important to talk to your partners about sex before <\/em>your body starts to change. As your stomach changes shape, some men become concerned about \u2018hurting the baby\u2019 or it being inappropriate to have certain kinds of sex with someone who is going to be a mother. You can assure him that there is absolutely no way he will be able to harm the baby during sex, as the cervix is blocked until labor starts, and the uterus is designed to protect the fetus.<\/p>\n

Most fathers-to-be are anxious about making sure their partner is happy and healthy during their pregnancy, so it\u2019s a great time to remind him that sex (and orgasms) not only keep you happy and healthy<\/a> but also that regular affection and intimacy only serves to keep the bond between each other healthy and strong.<\/p>\n

Should I ask my doctor?<\/b><\/h2>\n

<\/b>Seeing as how your physician will become a near-weekly fixture in your life for the foreseeable future, it won\u2019t hurt to consult with them before getting back to your sensual self. And no need to feel awkward about it \u2013 they know you\u2019ve done it at least once already.<\/p>\n

Do You Have to Change How You Have Sex?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/i><\/b>We\u2019d be remiss not to mention that at every stage of pregnancy, vibrators \u2013 both internal and external \u2013 are safe to use. It\u2019s during this time that safety is of even more importance, and it’s important to use 100% body-safe sex toys<\/a>. For more specifics on using a vibrator during pregnant masturbation, read this dedicated article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Again, as your body changes, so may your comfort (and enjoyment of things that you once loved), especially when it comes to sex positions. One constant for all pregnant women will be lessening pressure on your midsection and avoiding or minimizing contact with sensitive nipples as your pregnancy advances.<\/p>\n

Here are some general sex positions recommended by trimester (as long as they feel 100% comfortable to you).<\/p>\n

First and Second Trimesters<\/p>\n