It’s a rumor I’ve heard before, even prior to “catching pregnant”; “pregnant sex is the best sex.” I, of course, wouldn’t be able to verify this until I became pregnant myself. I won’t lie, it’s a lot different from being without child  – I actually felt my first motion of the baby after an afternoon “playdate” with hubby. I suppose all the activity surrounding the baby excited it, too – which made it ironic and slightly awkward, lol. 

Is it better? I’d say yes. My body’s different; my breasts are plump(er) and even perkier than before. My butt’s grown a few inches and is rounder than it’s ever been. Hair’s growing and has such a great sheen to it, and don’t forget the glow – how can I not feel sexy right now? 

 

On the biological side of things, a woman’s libido (sexual energy) is known to go up with the rise in estrogen and other hormones during pregnancy. 

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright says: “Whether it’s her first or second trimester, some women experience increased sexual urges, at levels exceeding pre-pregnancy. During the second trimester in particular, many feel hot to trot for reasons far beyond their control. The vulva seems to have a mind of its own. Mother Nature is revving up a pregnant woman’s sex drive with increased vaginal lubrication, larger breasts, and increased vasocongestion (the flow of blood to the genitals) for heightened vulval sensitivity and a swollen, often to the point of aching, clitoris. A woman is literally a hot mama passion playground for her — and her partner — to enjoy.”

The next question is – how far along can you go into the pregnancy while having sex? 

As long as you have the doctor’s approval, you can have sex right up to the point that she goes into labor. But you’ll have to alter your positions of choice as her pregnancy progresses in the second and third trimesters.

For instance, after the fourth month, it is not longer safe for her to lie flat on her back because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels.

Check out some of these moves that may make your sessions a little more comfortable for all three of you…

First Trimester Positions: 1-3 Months

 

The T-Square: She lies flat on her back, you lie perpendicular on your side, forming a T-square shape. This is safe until about month four.

On the Edge of Missionary: Lie her on her back at the side or foot of the bed with her knees bent, and her feet perched at the edge of the mattress. You can either kneel or stand in front of her. This also should not be performed after the fourth month.

From the middle to the end, positioning gets even better…

Second Trimester Positions: 4-6 Months

 

The Cowgirl: Basically this is the well-known and loved “woman on top” position. This is great during pregnancy because it allows her to control the pace and depth of penetration and it puts no weight on her abdomen.

Have a Seat: Sit in a chair and have her sit on your lap and enter her from a sitting position. This puts no weight on the uterus and gives her lots of control. She can either sit facing you or facing away.

The Perp Search: She leans against a wall facing away from you with arms and legs spread, as if you’re about to frisk her from behind.

Third Trimester Positions: 7-9 Months

 

Spoon Man: You lie on your side, with your knees bent while she lies on her side, with her back pressed against you, her legs slightly parted and her knees bent.

Leap Frog: This is her on all fours, like doggy style but with one major change: She rests her arms and head on the mattress. That way, it’s easier to hold up the weight of her stomach.

Remember: If intercourse is deemed too risky, you can always resort to oral sex alone.

When to stop

She should know at what month to stop having sex, as the doctor will advise her about it. But if you need to be sure, accompany her to her doctor’s appointments.

Some doctors recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy. This is just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions.

Most doctors advise that you stop having sexual intercourse with her if she is at risk of:

• A premature birth or labor
• A condition called placenta pravia (Where part of the placenta is covering the cervix)

 

What to expect during & after sex

Sometimes we feel responsible if pregnant women have certain symptoms or pains during or after having sex that they normally wouldn’t feel. But they are not caused by you per se, but rather the situation. These symptoms could include cramps, abdominal pain or even light contractions.

• Women often experience mild contractions during sex and when having an orgasm, but these contractions are false alarms, and are not powerful enough to start labor unless it’s imminent. These contractions may continue for about half an hour after sex. They are not dangerous to her or the baby.

• Her uterus may experience spasms during sex which are different from contractions. This is normal and not dangerous.

• She may feel some pain during or after sex if the fetus’ head is situated deep in her pelvis. This is not worrisome.

• She may get cramps during and after an orgasm. Sometimes this is combined with a backache. This is to be expected and is not a sign of any problem.

Labor of love

Sex can be quite pleasurable while she’s pregnant, for you and for her. Unless the doctor tells her otherwise, sex during pregnancy is safe for her and the baby. So don’t feel bad about indulging.

 

 

Sources:

 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,317693,00.html

http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_250/259b_love_tip.html

http://pregnancy.about.com
www.babyworld.co.uk
www.babycentre.co.uk