Scared to Have Sex Whilst Pregnant?

DID YOU HAVE plenty of steamy bedroom sessions when trying for your baby or was this a ‘surprise’ first time lucky arrival? Either way you might now find yourself cringing just a little at the thought of some nookie when ‘sssh, our baby is in there!!’

You’re already a responsible parent; it’s not unusual to wonder if having sex will hurt or disturb your baby, for it to feel a little ‘weird’ or to remember the playground jokes (that might have just been my school 😂).

Since your hormones are running rampant get used to the fact you might also want to have a lot more sex (increased levels of oestrogen), a lot less sex (if you feel bloated or sick or the mere thought of it makes you want to gag). At times the suggestion might make you a little crazeee ‘who do you think you are suggesting we have sex when I am carrying our baby and feel x y z? (cue floods of tears). It’s all part of the pregnancy rollercoaster.

For a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy sex can be enjoyable and safe with a host of emotional and physical benefits. If you’re in any doubt, you know the score, check with your GP or midwife.

Your unborn baby is not watching you and has no idea of what you’re up to. Even if he or she feels like she’s been watching too much Strictly if you orgasm that is not a direct protest to your pleasure; it’s a regular response to uterine activity. It’s more likely your little one is also enjoying the rhythm and motion.

The amniotic sac keeps your baby snug, warm and protected. And just so you know, your baby is nowhere near where the main event takes place!! 😂 💕 Phew.

There are soooo many reasons why having sex during pregnancy can be a good thing - a great thing. Here’s the top 10:

1) It deepens your connection with your partner

You and your partner created a baby (most likely from having sex) so keep that bond going and enjoy the connection. It’s special time for you as a couple before your baby joins you earthside. Remember why you had sex before you fell pregnant? Do it for the same reasons (unless it was solely to procreate!)

2) It’s a workout

Sex will get your heart pumping and your body moving (all movement is medicine). It burns calories and boosts your mood.

3) It’ll boost your body confidence & increase feelings of being loved

Changing body shapes and growing bumps can create a little insecurity, how many times do you hear pregnant women say they feel like the side of a house or a baby elephant? Your partner loves you and loves your body as it changes and grows. You are creating new life with him so allow him to still love you and your changing contours.

4) It’s fun and it will boost your partner’s confidence in touching your body

Sex is fun, and if you can’t have a giggle between the sheets whilst trying to navigate a significant bump it’s time to learn so that whenever there is any funny stuff to deal with (for example in labour) you two can easily work that out too. Sometimes men can feel a bit awkward in knowing how to touch a labouring woman, having hands on experience from sex creates deeper intimacy and helps him learn in a non-threatening way!

5) Prostaglandins

Prosta-what? Having unprotected sex as you near your due date also helps to soften and ripen the cervix because semen contains a hormone like substance called prostaglandins which can help stimulate smooth uterine contractions. It’s often suggested that sex is one way to naturally induce labour. Don’t worry though, having unprotected sex won’t suddenly start labour if it’s not time.

6) Releases tension, promotes relaxation

Having sex helps you to relax and the more you relax the better for you and your baby when it comes to labour, birth, delivery and recovery.

7) Your orgasms are likely to be more ‘intense’

Need I go on? Seriously though, orgasms also release chemicals into the brain that can boost immunity. If you weren’t having an orgasmic time before you fell pregnant you might find a different story now. Worth finding out don’t you think?

8) It’s a non-boring way to sneak in some pelvic floor exercises - dress that up better if discussing with your other half 😂

Tired of doing your pelvic floor exercises at every red traffic light or when the kettle is boiling? Sex is a great alternative! At one level orgasms are contractions of your pelvic muscles which means they’re having a workout and becoming stronger. Being able to tighten and relax pelvic floor muscles (because you’re in tune with them) can help to ease discomfort in labour, improve bladder control (no accidental pee-ing during pregnancy), and can support quicker post-partum recovery.

9) Can help you sleep better

Having sex can help you sleep better, more deeply, and wake up feeling more rested. Plus, if the Mr next to you is sleeping better you’ve twice the benefit!

10) It can help lower blood pressure and boost circulation

It’s not a long term solution if you suffer from high blood pressure, but every little helps. And, did you know that as a mum-to-be your blood supply doubles during pregnancy? Having sex boosts your circulation which means more oxygen and nutrition for your baby which helps sustain positive growth and development.

Still here? blimey, go find your lover! 💗 🤰 👨

PS - are you serious about preparing for a better birth? If so you need to BE HERE NOW!