Sex & Pregnancy - Mouths of Mums

You’re pregnant, and your partner is giving you the nudge for some action.

It’s not uncommon that sex is going to be furthest thing from your mind as your body is changing in its shape; size and hormones are going through the seesaw of emotions.

But then for others, you just have those niggling fears and questions about whether it’s safe or not or when am I going to be ready again?

So here are some hints and tips about sex & pregnancy:

1. Is it safe for me, and the baby, to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes.

I have heard of many men that think their penis will poke out the baby’s eye! Well for those wondering, that’s physically impossible. The baby is protected in the uterus. In 99% of cases sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for both mum and the baby.

There are some exceptions that your obgyn will tell you about. These would include those with a weak cervix, unexplained bleeding or people that suffer from placenta previa. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

2. When am I going to be ready?

It’s not true that just because your pregnant your libido will tank. For some it’s completely the opposite. Your new curves can make you feel irresistibly sexy and many couples have an active sex life for the entire 9 months!

But here is more of a common reaction of what’s happening to you…

1st trimester-

Fatigue, nausea, hormones on fire and body changes can be a put off. But for others it doesn’t stop that urge to be close to their partner – so it’s really up to you.

2nd & 3rd trimester (also called the ‘Honeymoon Period of Pregnancy’)–

Hormones start to level out and at this time there is an increase in blood flow to your intimate areas and your libido tends to rear its head again and orgasms have been recorded to be more intense and pleasurable! So get your groove on even with a baby on board.

3. Is it safe to use massagers during pregnancy?

Yes.

At all stages of pregnancy, vibrators – both internal and external – are safe to use. However, during this time please take note that body-safety is really important. So take note of the quality of the product you are using and its hygiene.

4. Do I need to consider new positions?

Lessening pressure on your mid-section is recommended. Also you may need to minimize contact with sensitive nipples as your pregnancy advances.

1st & 2nd trimester positions-

T-square- Lie on your back horizontally on the edge of the bed. He stands the whole time

Downward facing doggy-style- Think of the yoga position with a similar name but with your knees and ankles horizontal on the mattress allowing your belly to rest on your thighs

3rd trimester positions-

Avoid lying on your back and the traditional missionary style. Lying flat on your back is not recommended as the weight of your uterus can cause a drop in your blood pressure. So try

Spooning- Where he enters you from behind while you both lie on your sides
Side T-square- Lie on your side on the edge of the bed for a non-strenuous lovemaking session. He stands the whole time.

* It’s vital now more then ever to communicate more asking ‘how does it feel?’

Bottom line is you’re the one calling the shots. When your ready, you’re ready and you will know it.

Love & Indulgence Tip of the Day is kegels!
This is our recommendation during pregnancy both pre & post and endorsed by our lovely Oprah!

Have you heard of Luna Beads?

These are vibrating balls that exercise your pelvic floor muscles otherwise also known as Kegels.
Strong and healthy kegels will help you prepare for pregnancy and childbirth let alone help you get back to your pre-baby vaginal shape. 1 in 3 women suffer from pelvic floor disorders so if you don’t want to be in one of those ads on incontinence where a women sneezes, coughs or exercises and has the response of an embarrassing little puddle, then concentrate on your kegels from the get go!

The silent benefit however of strong kegels is more intense orgasms. Yes please!

image of “pregnant tummy” from Shutterstock

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52 Comments

- - mom138374 said
  - 25 May 2015
    9:43 pm
Sex during pregnancy can be very relaxing for the mum to be, I think it’s always a great way to connect with hubby/partner and so long as it’s done safely (the doctor has not told you to not have sex) then it’s a great way to spend the evenings before the baby is born and then neither parent will have any “action” for awhile!

- - mggarner said
  - 26 Jul 2014
    7:07 pm
Unfortuantly for us we were one of the couples that have all three, Short cervix, unexplained bleeding and placenta previa so could have sex for 9 months + more

- - Peace.Love.Empathy. said
  - 13 Jun 2014
    1:22 pm
Puts my mind at ease. Thanks.

- - gem1991 said
  - 02 Jun 2014
    12:07 pm
Thanks for the tips lol:)

- - mom57522 said
  - 31 May 2014
    7:11 pm
I really enjoyed sex while I was pregnant.

- - Emilyypamela said
  - 30 May 2014
    10:14 pm
Very informative. Just the answers I was looking for. Thank you

- - ajorsam said
  - 24 May 2014
    6:56 pm
These men must think themselves well endowed if they are going to poke the babies eyes out

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 22 May 2014
    10:54 pm
thanks these are some great tips for when pregnant

- - twinmum2 said
  - 21 May 2014
    9:10 am
Useful, informative article.

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 16 May 2014
    7:17 pm
sex is great druing pregnancy and can help

- - krissy333 said
  - 13 May 2014
    6:17 pm
i will definately be looking into the luna beads!

- - christial said
  - 11 May 2014
    9:59 pm
Very interesting! I definitely wans’t nudging for action but I loved cuddles through my pregnancy!

- - megsy99 said
  - 10 May 2014
    10:49 pm
The roles were reversed during my pregnancy. I was the one giving the nudge and my husband was the one who was worried about damaging “something”

- - Gracelow said
  - 07 May 2014
    9:03 pm
Thanks, my husband would be very happy to hear about this!

- - Happymum said
  - 07 May 2014
    8:02 pm
new positions are great and I found I wanted sex more while pregnant

- - meimei said
  - 03 May 2014
    6:10 pm
Really useful information for me which have not much info about sex & pregnancy.

- - scottie said
  - 02 May 2014
    8:55 am
so many old wives tales about this one – good to have some clear solid advice

- - meegstar_b said
  - 25 Apr 2014
    9:44 pm
Thanks for this article! I might check out Luna Beads as I have been a bi worried about my muscle strength down there. One thing I think also helps your sex life during pregnancy is having a supportive partener who is validating and reassuring. I kmow I habe been feelig a little less than confident but my boyfriends support and reassurance that he loves the way I look has helped me to loosen up a bit and enjoy being close to him. He also pointed out that he’d been reading up about it in one of our pregnancy book and the baby is not aware of what’s going on in between the sheets so to speak.
- melmac replied
  
  03 May 2014 , 8:18 am
  Actually its probably a good thing getting fresh under the sheets for everyone involved. After an orgasm there is a chemical called ‘Oxytocin’ which is a ‘bonding’ chemical.
  Did you know that Oxytocin is also is released during childbirth?
  Cements the strong bond between mum and baby and is also responsible
  for a mum’s breast automatically releasing milk at the mere sight or sound
  of her young baby.
  So hop to it!
  Also check out the Lelo Luna Beads here
  http://loveandindulgence.com.au/index.php?id_product=49&controller=product
  
  http://youtu.be/9wHkeQ8gtJk
- - kazon said
  - 21 Apr 2014
    9:12 pm
Great article and very informative.

- - asagihunt said
  - 17 Apr 2014
    7:58 pm
Great article! Definitely has to show my partner! I am pregnant with his first child and he is always so fearful of hurting me or the baby when we have sex and always have to keep reaptly check on how i am when we have sex. Hope this may ease his fear!!! =) Thanks
- melmac replied
  
  17 Apr 2014 , 8:32 pm
  Its nice that your partner is at least checking to see if your ok. Keep that communication going guys.
  But yes, he needs to know he can’t do any damage other then sometimes have you uncomfortable in particular positions as you get further into your pregnancy so just change up to positions.
  Thumbs up guys