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Sex during Pregnancy
Has pregnancy filled you with passion or repulsion?
Here we give you
a few ways of contributing to your intimate relationship during
those nine months.
Pregnancy is an exciting event, but is also brings about a number of
major changes that may put undue stress on a relationship, including
your sex life. Communication is definitely the key here, as couples
who regularly discuss the sexual adjustments that are necessary
during pregnancy find a way to receive mutual satisfaction. Others
who have a communication gap, may find themselves battling to cope
with the alterations that have to be made.
Positive impressions
With the drastic change in hormone production during pregnancy, many
women find that their sexual awareness increases, and the fact that
there is no need to consider contraceptives is an added advantage
that should be made the most of. Many couples report a feeling of
exhilaration at the prospect of becoming parents, and knowing that
the life growing inside of you was created from the loving bond you
share, could well add a new dimension of closeness and devotion to
your relationship. The emotional changes both parties have to
endure, may also bring about an opportunity for exploration into
different techniques of lovemaking, whether through preference or
practical reasons. These alternatives are widely used by many
throughout pregnancy , especially if they have been advised to
abstain from intercourse for medical reasons. By sharing long
luxurious baths, followed by a massage, engaging in oral sex and
masturbation gives you the chance to discover and enjoy different
means of giving and receiving pleasure.
Undesirable responses
While there are those that marvel at the new joy pregnancy has added
to their intimate lives, there are also those who at times may find
certain aspects less appealing. During pregnancy women have to adapt
to the physical and emotional changes and while your partner may
find you attractive, there is no convincing an expectant mom,
(especially when she is utterly exhausted and suffering from nausea)
otherwise. Making love then becomes more of a chore, than a loving,
pleasurable activity. It may well be that trying a new position or
an alternative, together with an open discussion with your partner,
may well sort the issue out.
Common worries
Many couples fear that making love will somehow damage the baby,
this is however not possible as the baby is fully protected by the
walls of the uterus and there is also little evidence to prove that
sex is responsible for miscarriages. If you have suffered with
previous miscarriages though, it may bring peace of mind to abstain
from sex during the first few months, just as it would be wise to
avoid sex later in pregnancy for those who have a history of
premature labour. During arousal and orgasm, it is normal for you to
experience contractions, but these are mild and are not strong
enough to start the actual labour process. Discuss any of your
worries with your partner and if necessary seek medical advice to
help reduce your anxiety levels thus maintaining a healthy sex life.
Finding a comfortable position
Your enlarging abdomen can make even simple activities, such as
getting out of bed or even just rolling over difficult and
uncomfortable, and sex may seem more like gymnastics than anything
else. This may be a time to start experimenting with different
positions that are comfortable to both of you, leaving the woman's
breasts and stomach free of any pressure.
Positions where your partner enters you from behind, with you on
all-fours or lying on your side with your legs drawn up towards your
abdomen are well suited to the later months of pregnancy, especially
if you are suffering from backache, as kneeling positions put the
least pressure on your uterus.
Lie on your sides facing each other, lifting your legs over your
partners body, alternatively your partner can enter you from behind,
what is commonly known as the 'spoons' position.
With the woman kneeling astride her partner, she can control the
depth and movement to suit her comfort.
Sitting positions are the most useful in the middle and early
months, and eventhough they do not offer a lot of movement they're
comfortable and remove any pressure from the abdomen. The woman can
also sit or lie on the edge of the bed with her partner kneeling on
the floor directly infront of her.
Safe Sex
Although there is no reason to suggest that your love-making should
change from adventurous and energetic to dull and boring during
pregnancy, there are some activities which may need extra caution or
be avoided altogether.
*Numerous partners: If you do not have a regular sexual partner
during pregnancy or your man is not monogamous, always remember to
use condoms to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases
and AIDS.
*Anal sex: This is actually an illegal activity, even between a
consenting man and woman, but if it is undertaken, it should be with
extreme caution, as if the penis is not thoroughly washed before
vaginal intercourse, there is a risk of infection.
*Uncomfortable positions: Any position which puts pressure on or
strains your abdomen and back in any way, should be avoided.
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