if you are pregnant It is normal for doubts about sexuality to arise: what is safe, which positions are most comfortable, when to wait, or how desire will change trimester to trimester. In a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy, sexual activity is generally safe and can provide physical and emotional well-being. The baby is protected by the uterus, the amniotic fluid and the mucous plug. If you have any doubts or symptoms, the ideal is consult with your professional reference.
A few days ago we talked about sex during pregnancy. Today we want to talk about what will happen. quarter to quarter, taking into account a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy.
During the 9 months of pregnancy, our sexuality will vary as the months go by. From the very beginning, we must live this stage with naturalness and calm, not being afraid of hurting the baby. If you have any questions, we always recommend that you consult with your obstetrician o matrona.
Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
In most cases, yes. Amniotic fluid and muscles of the uterus protect the baby. In healthy pregnancies, having sex does not cause miscarriage or affect fetal development. It is common to notice soft contractions after orgasm; if they are intense, prolonged or accompanied by heavy bleeding, consult immediately.
Take care of the protection if there is a risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Use a condom if you or your partner have other sexual partners or if you start a New relationship During pregnancy. If you have an STI, you should avoid vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse until advised by a doctor.
First trimester
During the first trimester:
A begins to occur hormonal change Radical change in a woman's body. Fatigue and nausea, along with other early symptoms of pregnancy, will likely decrease sexual desire. This is what usually happens to most pregnant women, although there is also a percentage of women who experience more need for sex during this stage and enjoy it more due to greater sensitivity in the genital area. These physical factors can cause the woman to reach the orgasm at this stage. However, on the other hand, the physical factors associated with the first symptoms, along with other emotional factors, could temporarily make it difficult for the woman to achieve orgasm.
It's a good time to look for flexible schedules to make love, choosing those moments of the day when the future mother feels less bothersome symptoms (such as nausea, which is often limited to one or several fixed moments of the day) or is more rested.
If the woman's breasts are overly sensitive, stimulation can be dispensed with so that it does not cause pain, although there are women for whom this sensitivity will provide greater pleasure. Once again, in practice and in the agreement balance will come for each couple.
The vaginal discharge A woman's discharge may begin to change (and will do so throughout the pregnancy) in consistency, color, quantity, and odor. They may be more abundant, making penetration easier, or they may alter their odor and become stronger, which could bother the man. In that case, wait until after bathing or use lubrication (compatible oils or lubricants) may be an option.
Some statistics indicate that, at the beginning of pregnancy, approximately 40% of pregnant women experience a decreased desire sexual desire, 50% experience no significant changes, and 10% experience an increase in sexual desire. However, these figures often change during the next stage of pregnancy.
Practical ideas: prioritize gentle postures and without abdominal pressure (like side to side) and remember that the sex does not cause abortionIf you notice light spotting after intercourse, it is common; if it is heavy or with Intense pain, consultation.
Second trimester
At this time, the usual discomforts of the first months of pregnancy usually disappear, and the couple has adapted to their new situation, so the sexual desire usually reappears. It is a good time for the exercise of the vaginal muscles improve our muscle tone for the time of delivery.
In addition, in the central period of pregnancy there is a vascular congestion which results in a greater amount of blood reaching the pelvic blood vessels, resulting in greater sensitivity, which translates into greater sexual arousal, especially in women who have given birth to one or more children.
Less nausea, less fatigue, less breast pain… everything will help you return to a certain normality. In many cases, you go from the “reproductive sex” you had before pregnancy to a more completely recreational. We must take advantage of moments of well-being to face the final part of pregnancy…
Extra tips at this stage: explore postures that reduce pressure on the abdomen, such as woman on top, lateral or edge of bed positions; spend more time in the petting and foreplay; and values exercises of pelvic floor (Kegel type) to improve sensitivity and prepare for childbirth.
Third trimester
It is common for the decrease in the frequency The reduction in sexual relations at this time may be more drastic than in the first trimester. The mother's physical discomfort, the inconvenience and the proximity of the moment of delivery, which may cause nerves, anxiety or fears, can prevent sexual desire from arising, not only with impetus, but even weakly. It may be more difficult for the woman to achieve pleasure sexual intercourse during the last weeks of pregnancy, although there are some expectant mothers who do not experience problems in this regard.
During sexual intercourse in this trimester, the woman may produce colostrum that comes out of the breasts through stimulation. This isn't a cause for concern; we'll simply be helping to produce this precursor to milk. If the breasts aren't stimulated, it may not come out, although some women experience small drops of colostrum with orgasm.
Although at this time the heaviness and the large increase in volume can make some sexual practices difficult, when childbirth is approaching, making love is very beneficial Also. Sexual activity mechanically stimulates the cervix, in a natural and pleasant way, promoting its dilatationSex can thus serve to exercise the pelvic muscles, keeping them strong and flexible.
The semen It contains a certain amount of prostaglandin, a substance that can promote uterine contraction. Therefore, having sex before childbirth can help soften the cervix, which will make labor easier and relieve pain.
It's a good time to think that now, more than lovers, the couple will become Parents, seeking and enjoying a new dimension in the relationship, even a new intimacy in bed. It won't be so much the number of relationships that matters as the quality of these, and the emotional connection that is achieved with them, something that is only achieved after practice, patience, understanding and dialogue. Recommended positions: teaspoon (side by side) or woman on top; avoid lying face up for long periods due to possible compression of the vena cava.
When to avoid sex
Your professional may recommend avoiding intercourse and/or orgasm if they exist. contraindications specific. Consult and suspend relations if any of these situations occur:
- Vaginal bleeding without clear cause or after intercourse (if it is abundant or painful).
- Loss of amniotic fluid or rupture of the bag.
- Previous placenta (the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix).
- Cervical incompetence or a cervix that opens prematurely, or if it is already dilated.
- Background or signs of premature birth.
- ITS active or high risk of infection in either member.
Remember that orgasm can produce contractionsIn a high-risk pregnancy, your specialist may temporarily advise against it.
Safe postures and practices
Choose what is comfortable for both of you, prioritizing the comfort and avoiding pressure on the abdomen:
- Side to side (spoon), ideal in the third trimester.
- Woman on top, controls depth and rhythm.
- On the edge of the bed or sitting, facilitates ergonomics.
About the practices: the oral sex It is safe, avoiding blowing air into the vagina; fellatio It is also safe in the absence of STIs. anal and oral It can be practiced with caution (if there are hemorrhoids it can be annoying) and without passing from the anus to the vagina without prior hygiene to avoid infections. The masturbation It is safe unless contraindicated individually by the specialist.
Benefits of maintaining privacy
A sexual life adapted to pregnancy offers multiple benefits:
- It favors the relaxation, improves rest and releases endorphins.
- Reinforces the link affective and couple communication.
- Improves circulation and contributes to general well-being.
- can help prepare the cervix at the end of pregnancy.
If there is no desire, remember that the privacy It's also built through kisses, hugs, caresses, and massages. There's no single way to experience sexuality during pregnancy.
Myths and realities
- “Sex causes abortion”: false in healthy pregnancies; the fetus is protected.
- “The baby realizes”: is unaware of what is happening outside.
- “You can hit his head”: anatomically impossible; the baby is in the uterus, not in the vagina.
- “You can’t have orgasms”: Yes, you can, unless your doctor advises against it.
When to consult
Go to your professional if you notice Intense pain that does not yield, persistent cramps, heavy bleeding, fluid loss, fever, bad smell in the flow, or if there are concerns about STIs or medication. If either of you experiences anxiety that interferes with intimate life, sexual or couples therapy can help.
During these weeks, listen to your body, take care of it communication and adapts practices to each stage. In a normal pregnancy, sex can be a source of pleasure, connection, and well-being that evolves quarter by quarter. Respect the timelines, prioritize safety, and if any warning signs appear, stop the activity and consult.
Vía: Babies and more.
