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.