Sexual Relations

 
A common question raised by expectant mothers is whether or not they can have sexual relations during pregnancy without causing harm to either their baby or themselves. Sex during pregnancy is natural and fine for the health of both the mother and the baby as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated and normal. The mother can have sex as late into pregnancy as she would like; however, many doctors recommend that abstinence be practiced during the last four months of pregnancy. As long as the mother's pregnancy is low-risk and no complications arise, sexual intercourse is permissible.

Many women find that sex during pregnancy is much more enjoyable and contend that their sex drives increase during pregnancy due to the increased levels of various hormones. These same hormones can work in the opposite direction however, making the mother completely disinterested in sex. The mother will find that her sex drive varies widely during all stages of pregnancy. Studies have shown that sexual desire tends to wane in the first trimester due to fatigue and nausea, rises in the second trimester, and falls again in the third. Women may achieve orgasm or multiple orgasms for the first time during pregnancy. This is due once again to the changing levels of female and pregnancy hormones. These hormones initiate a number of key changes such as greater sensitivity and responsiveness in the breasts and sexual organs, which can make sex more enjoyable.

Common fears regarding sex during pregnancy relate to the possible negative effects of having an orgasm. It is feared that orgasm will trigger a miscarriage or initiate premature labor, causing harm to the baby. In reality, there is no connection between orgasms and premature labor or miscarriages. The uterine spasms that accompany orgasms are perfectly safe for the baby, and in fact may be beneficial because the help to prepare and exercise the mother's uterus for labor. It is also false that sex during pregnancy can lead to infections that may harm the baby. This is impossible because the cervix is plugged and covered with a mucous cap that blocks bacteria. The amniotic sac is sealed and is capable of withstanding great amounts of pressure which prevents rupture and infection.

Despite the relative safety of sexual intercourse during pregnancy, many couples choose to abstain simply to be on the safe side, or because the expectant mother is uninterested. These couples choose to express their sexual relationship in ways other than sex. This can included showering together, massage, cuddling, external stimulation of genitalia and breasts, mutual masturbation, and oral sex. Pregnancy can be an enjoyable period of exploration and alternative expression for couples which can continue even after pregnancy.

Physiology of Sex and Eroticism during Pregnancy

The rise of estrogen levels during pregnancy causes an increase in blood flow, particularly in the pelvic and groin regions. Thus, the vagina and its exterior folds become swollen, which is a reaction that occurs typically during sexual arousal. This makes the sexual organs hypersensitive and leads to rapid sexual excitement.

Within the first week or two of conception the breasts begin to enlarge and become vary sensitive. Their increased sensitivity and tingling make them a target of sexual arousal. Caressing the breasts and paying particular attention to them can result in rapid stimulation of the vagina and clitoris.

The increased blood flow and easy arousal of the vagina causes vaginal secretions to be quite excessive. These increased secretions make the mother ready for penetration earlier and easier than usual.

Orgasm can typically be reached quicker during pregnancy and their intensity is usually greater. Also, the effects of orgasms during pregnancy tend to linger longer than usual, as the labia minor and vagina stay swollen longer than usual.

Sexual Positions during Pregnancy

Eventually the mother's size will become a barrier to many conventional positions for lovemaking such as the missionary position. When her size becomes an issue adjustments will have to be made in positioning and levels of penetration. In later pregnancy, a side-by-side or sitting position may be the most comfortable and feasible. Later in pregnancy after the baby has dropped, a rear-entry position may be the most comfortable. After the 24th week of pregnancy, it is typically not advisable for the mother to lie on her back for extended periods of time. Thus, any sexual position that requires this of the mother is not recommended.

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