You may not feel at your sexiest during pregnancy, but did you know that there are numerous benefits to having sex while you’re pregnant?
When you’re expecting, you probably spend the majority of your time thinking about all you need to do before your bundle of joy arrives. There is the crib and car seat to buy, prenatal vitamins to take, and birth plans to organize. One thing you probably spend less time worrying about is sex. Some women really like having it while pregnant, and others couldn’t care less.
Let’s face it, things change dramatically during pregnancy. Emotions go crazy, body parts go out of whack, and it lasts for a long time. Even the most sexually confident woman might wonder if sex is even worth it.
Oh, it’s worth it, honey. Sex during pregnancy is so worth it. There are a bevy of benefits, both emotional and physical, that make the act something you should definitely make an effort to do, at least occasionally, while you’re pregnant. And, just so you and your partner don’t get freaked out in the middle of it, we’re including some of the weird and wonderful things you can expect to happen.
Why sex during pregnancy is good for you
If you’re wondering if you should have sex while you’re pregnant, the answer is a resounding YES! You and your partner will be glad you did, and here are 9 important reasons why.
#1 You might experience really intense orgasms. Oh, this reason alone is more than enough to make most women more than happy to make love while they’re pregnant. During pregnancy, blood flow to the genitals increases, making them more sensitive. Also, the body releases hormones galore, one of which is oxytocin – the love hormone. This fun hormone has the ability to make orgasms more intense.
The combination of increased blood flow and hormones can lead to orgasmic pleasures you’ve never experienced before. If you’ve never experienced an orgasm during sex before *many women just don’t*, being pregnant might be your chance to finally find out what all the fuss is about.
Another hormone that increases during pregnancy is testosterone, which is responsible for increasing your sex drive. You might just find yourself the horniest you’ve ever been – win-win for both, you and your partner!
#2 Having sex keeps you fit. Whether you’re pregnant or not, having sex burns calories and gives the body a great workout. After all, one 30-minute sex session burns about 100 calories on average. However, when you’re pregnant and farther along, it can really help you stay in shape and get ready for the birthing process because of how creative you can be when it comes to positions.
Some of your favorite positions might not be comfortable anymore, but don’t let that discourage you from making love. Think outside the box and experiment. Who knows? You might just find a new position to add to your repertoire.
#3 It lowers blood pressure. Research shows that making love lowers blood pressure. This is a huge benefit since high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a condition known as preeclampsia, which is very dangerous for both the mom and the baby.
#4 Having sex reduces pain. Doctors recommend that pregnant women abstain from taking any unnecessary medications. Even popping a couple of Advils for a headache can be dangerous for the baby.
The next time you feel a headache coming on, don’t turn your lover down with the old complaint, “Not tonight. I have a headache.” No, instead, grab the bull by the horns, and rejoice in the pain-free pleasure the act provides. By the way, it’s believed that oxytocin is the hormone responsible for this wonderful benefit.
#5 You’ll sleep like a baby *pardon the pun*. It’s no secret that a little fun between the sheets relaxes the mind and body. When you’re pregnant, this can be a godsend, especially if your condition comes with insomnia. The added benefit of this is the rhythmic rocking motion of your lovemaking lulls your baby to sleep, too.
#6 It improves immune system function. Some studies suggest that having sex triggers the body to increase levels of certain antibodies that help prevent colds and other dangerous infections. As every disease you get while pregnant can be a threat to your unborn baby, any method of boosting your immune system is a bonus!
#7 You’ll feel closer to your partner. At a time when you’re both busy with preparing for your baby and getting everything settled, it’s always a good idea to revisit your intimate moments to feel close to your partner again. Thanks to the release of oxytocin during sex, you’ll feel a stronger romantic attraction to each other. Oxytocin isn’t called the “love hormone” for nothing.
#8 You’ll be happier. Having sex and amazing orgasms releases endorphins, which make both you and your baby feel happy and more relaxed. Some women experience anxiety and even depression at some point during their pregnancy, so having sex to release those feel-good hormones can be one way of combating this.
#9 Sex during pregnancy speeds up recovery after birth. The orgasms you have with sex actually serve a purpose other than pleasuring you. They help prepare the pelvic muscles for childbirth. When your pelvic muscles are strong and fit, they heal faster after delivery.
One way to encourage strong pelvic floor muscles is to do Kegel exercises during sex. Not only will you strengthen your child birthing muscles, you’ll also increase sexual pleasure for both you and your partner.
Be prepared: In case you don’t know what Kegels are, here’s a quick rundown on how to do them:
– Imagine squeezing your partner’s penis with your vagina, and contract the muscles that stop the flow of urine.
– Hold it for a few seconds at a time, then release.
– Repeat, and experiment with different patterns of contracting and releasing.
If you do your Kegels right, your partner should notice a tightening around his penis. If you do this exercise at the right time, it will be quite pleasurable for both of you.
Is sex safe during pregnancy?
Many women and their partners worry whether sex during pregnancy is safe. The good news is yes, it is quite safe for most women with low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies. Sexual desire during pregnancy changes considerably, so when the mood hits, don’t be afraid to take advantage of it.
Something that might happen during pregnant sex is your breasts leaking, especially if your partner is handling them or your nipples a lot. This is perfectly normal, and it is due to hormonal fluctuations. Unfortunately, when it happens unexpectedly, it can freak some couples out. Just know that it might happen, so don’t panic when it does.
As for your lover, if he’s worried he might “hurt” the baby, let him know that as well-endowed as he is, there’s no way he can hurt the baby inside you. The baby is well protected, and aside from a little rocking motion, he or she won’t know anything is going on.
Sex during pregnancy is safe, fun, and recommended. It’s good for you and your baby, and your partner is sure to be happy to hear that sex is a go. The biggest thing to remember is to go with what feels right and listen to what your body tells you.
