What To Expect (In Bed) When You’re Expecting
Body, Communication, Culture, Education, Relationships
Now that you’re expecting, you’re not sure what to expect from sex, and you might be worried. Most parents-to-be worry about the safety of continuing to have sex as they normally would. If your pregnancy is healthy, you can keep on keeping on. We recommend you chat with your healthcare provider first to make sure there aren’t any concerns based on your pregnancy health.
If you have the green light from your doctor or midwife, then pregnancy can be a fantastic time to continue deepening your intimate relationship(s) before the baby arrives.
Here are some completely normal things you might experience as you continue your sex life with a growing baby bump:
- Moms-to-be might feel extra sexy (or not)
Often when females are into the second trimester, many experience a surge of hormones—one being testosterone, which may notably boost their sex drives. Her partner may also be even more attracted to her changing body—growing breasts, belly, and hips. With these changes, some parents-to-be find themselves more interested in getting between the sheets than ever.
For some, the idea of sex could be a turn-off, and that’s perfectly normal too. Some females feel utterly asexual during pregnancy. Either way, your libidos will fluctuate throughout the pregnancy and your lives.
- A new bodily fluid
A mom-to-be’s breasts may leak a little fluid from her nipples when stimulated. It can be a tad alarming if you’re not ready for it and can also take a little getting used to when considering that her breasts are not simply there for sexual pleasure anymore.
- Orgasms could be more-gasmic
Some women report that their orgasms are more pleasurable during pregnancy since there’s increased blood flow to the genitals. Also, pregnant women produce more of certain hormones, like oxytocin (also known as the love hormone), that can make orgasms feel particularly powerful. Sometimes in the third trimester, some women may experience abdominal cramps after an orgasm, which can set off contractions. Usually, they subside after a few minutes just like Braxton Hicks contractions.
- Time to explore new positions
As pregnancy progresses and women’s bodies change, the positions that once brought pleasure might be uncomfortable or downright impossible. It’s going to be an excellent time to get creative and play with different positions, props or other means of sexual pleasure, such as oral sex, massages, and enjoying other simple, intimate moments.
Here are some positions to experiment with:
- Mom-to-be on top – Pregnant females often cite this as the most comfortable position when maneuvering around their growing bellies. This position has been shown to be associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction in pregnant women. It puts no weight on the abdomen and allows her to control the depth of penetration.
- Lie sideways – This allows a partner to keep most of the weight off a female’s uterus.
- Use the bed as support – With her back close to the edge of the bed, knees bent, and her bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. A partner can either kneel or stand in front.
- Hands or knees – The doggy position may be more comfortable later in pregnancy when it’s a relief to have the weight taken off a hard-working pelvis. Allowing the stomach to hang freely.
- Sit down – This position also takes the pressure off the mom-to-be’s uterus or try sitting on a partner’s lap as they sit on a chair.
- This too shall pass
Regardless of how sensual (or not) you’re feeling today, your level of desire will fluctuate throughout pregnancy and beyond. As long as you’re looking after your intimacy and connectedness as parents-to-be, your relationship can grow stronger—a wonderful benefit for when the baby arrives!
You can enjoy a satisfying sex life when pregnant, and with a little experimentation and an open mind, you’ll get into a groove that works for you! Have more questions about having sex when you’re pregnant? Get in touch!
Here are some other articles you might enjoy too:
- For Great Sex, Build Your Toolbox Of Desire
- Focus On These 5 Things During Sex (That Aren’t Orgasm)
- Sex Not Fun Anymore? Here’s How To Take Control Of Your Pleasure
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