How (And Why) You Should Have Sex During Pregnancy
Let’s talk about sex during pregnancy.
Is it beneficial? Yes. Can it hurt the fetus? In most cases, no. Is it bad to have too much sex while pregnant? In most cases, no. What are the positions to avoid during pregnancy? You’ll have to read on.
While those are the simple answers to these big questions, we have more in-depth sex tips to help you take advantage of the health benefits of sex and the increased libido that can accompany pregnancy.
Yes, sex during pregnancy is safe for the baby
Generally, having sex while pregnant is perfectly fine, unless your doctor or midwife has instructed you otherwise. Amniotic fluid protects the child in-utero, meaning that a penis or sex toy cannot harm them. With sex being a great way to promote love and positive mental health between couples — and a great situation to capitalize on if your partner has a pregnancy fetish — it makes sense to give it a go!
Pregnant people may find that their genitals (and the rest of their body) are more sensitive to touch, and that they may be wetter than usual. Many folks also find that they have more intense orgasms during this time. Bonus!
Potential risks of sex during pregnancy
That said, reasons for when to stop having sex during pregnancy include (but are not limited to): problems with the cervix that may result in miscarriage or inducing early labour, cervical incompetence, leaking amniotic fluid, or considerable vaginal bleeding.
Even if none of these are an issue for you, it’s still best to play it safe and not engage in sex that is too rough. For example, certain aspects of BDSM should be avoided (like pressure to the abdomen or anything that could constrict the pregnant person’s blood flow), as well as particularly forceful role-plays.
Foreplay is always paramount
Whether done manually or with a sex toy, one of our main sex tips for you is to take advantage of the benefits of foreplay. While some people find that they are a lot wetter during their pregnancy, others may find that their sex drive has decreased thanks to fluctuating hormones and discomfort on the body as it grows to accommodate a growing baby (or babies).
This is where oral sex, fingering, and sex toys for folks with vaginas (remember to clean and care for sex toys properly) can come in to help.
Get into a comfortable position
When both partners give consent and are ready to engage in penetrative sex (either with a penis or a sex toy), comfort is key. The most comfortable positions are those where there is no pressure on the belly, meaning that the pregnant person will likely be most relaxed on top while controlling both speed and depth of penetration.
When to stop having sex during pregnancy? When it becomes too uncomfortable and is no longer enjoyable. You’re more likely to have a better relationship when mutual respect and understanding between one another is achieved.
Oral and anal are good options
If vaginal sex is not an option during pregnancy, there are other ways that partners can be intimate sexually and boost their sex life, such as through oral and anal sex. Offering one another blowjobs or cunnilingus is a great way to pleasure your partner with your mouth (although, avoid blowing air into the vagina, as it can cause an embolism, which could potentially lead to death). So is getting comfortable with how to have anal sex while pregnant.
If none of these options work, remember that masturbation is good for you, too.
Having sex post-birth
Sometimes, a self-induced dry spell is necessary, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t survive the dry spell like a champion. Typically, a doctor or midwife will advise couples to avoid sex for about six weeks after the baby is born. This time is critical for the body to heal and recover after giving birth and helps prevent infections or tearing from occurring (especially in those who had a C-section or tearing in the vagina during childbirth).
Keep in mind that birth and taking care of a newborn are exhaustive, so new parents may not feel as inclined to have sex so soon after the child is born.
While having sex during pregnancy can be an excellent practise of self-love and of loving your body as it is, there are some things you need to keep in mind before and during it. There are some positions to avoid during pregnancy (even if just for the sake of comfort), sex tips for specific stages of the prenatal period, and signs of when to stop having sex during pregnancy.
But to answer that all-too-common question — is it bad to have too much sex while pregnant? — the general answer is ‘no.’ However, of course, it’s best to consult with your doctor or midwife first.
Do you believe that it’s bad to have too much sex while pregnant? What do you find are the positions to avoid during pregnancy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
