No need to stop until the water breaks
Basically, there’s no need to stop at all, right through a normal pregnancy right up until your waters break. After which it’s better to stop, to reduce the risk of infection.
‘Normal’ means low-risk for any complications such as miscarriage, bleeding, pre-term labour, or a low placenta. But otherwise, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe because your baby’s protected by the fluid in your womb, by your abdomen, and the mucus plug which seals your cervix.
Your libido might vary
Though expectant couples do vary quite a bit in how much sex they want. Lots of women find that pregnancy makes them more aroused. Though fatigue, nausea, sore breasts, and the increased need to pee might make sex less enjoyable during the first trimester.
But the second three months can be wonderful.
The fatigue and nausea have lifted, and you’ll probably be feeling sexy again as you begin to ‘show.’
Your clitoris and vagina will become more sensitive, and so very many women become orgasmic during their second trimester.
Later in pregnancy, sex can set off mild contractions. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions and they’re perfectly normal and there’s no need to worry.
Many women lose their desire for sex late in the pregnancy because of their size, and because they’re preoccupied with the coming delivery.
As may your partner's libido
Dads also often feel inhibited by the fact that you’re carrying a real, live baby. While others feel closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Some feel anxious about the burdens of parenthood or worry about the health of the mother and the unborn child.
Figure out what works for the two of you
So you’ll need lots of open communication and mutual understanding to get the best out of these nine months. It’s also very important for you and your partner to talk about your feelings regarding sex whilst you’re pregnant. You’ll probably also need to get creative. Try different love-making positions, like the spoons, the woman on top, kneeling on a couch, or side by side. You might also want to expand foreplay and include more massage and back rubs. It’s also worth spending more time just sitting or lying close together and touching, holding hands, and talking together. Or experiment with massaging and touching each other in new ways
But definitely don’t rule sex out! Because sex releases oxytocin, which will make you feel good and more bonded to your partner.
Do you have more worries about sex during pregnancy? Head to our discussion board – our moderators can answer all your questions.