Sex during pregnancy? Go ahead!
The hormonal, physical and mental changes associated with pregnancy affect the sex life of both parties. It happens that the libido of the expectant mother increases a lot, but the opposite can also happen. There are many misconceptions about sex life during pregnancy, but according to Dr. Hartman, the most important thing is for the couple to accept the changed situation and talk about it. As long as both parties are comfortable, you can have a sexual life.
The benefits of sex during pregnancy
- Due to the increased blood flow to the genitals, women can experience orgasm more intensely.
- Sex burns calories and can help you stay fit during pregnancy
- Intimacy is as important during pregnancy as it is at any stage of a relationship.
- Orgasm releases endorphins, which are responsible for the feeling of happiness. Happy mom = happy baby.
What does the fetus feel?
It is common that the father-to-be does not want to be together out of caution, he is afraid that the child will be affected by sex. The fetus does not feel anything from sex during pregnancy, as the strong muscles in the uterus and the mucous membrane around the cervix protect it from all external influences. In a pregnancy without complaints, sex and orgasm do not cause miscarriage or premature birth. The contractions associated with orgasm are not the same as those associated with childbirth, so we can say that the baby does not experience any of them.
How does the mother feel?
It is worth choosing the most comfortable position during pregnancy, where the mother's belly is not pressed, or where she can control the speed and depth of penetration. Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman's life, but not everyone feels attractive, as the enlarged belly, expanding hips and possibly wet limbs can bother many. Future fathers can help their pregnant partners a lot in accepting the changed body image. During this period, honest communication is especially important, as hormones can also affect mothers in addition to the transformed body.
Because of the risk of infection, anal sex is not recommended, and because of hemorrhoid problems common during pregnancy, this method of contact can be unpleasant. Oral sex does not cause problems, you just have to make sure that no air gets into the vagina.
When is it not recommended to have sex?
It is not recommended or should be limited, for example, if we are talking about a twin pregnancy. If the previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage at an early stage, or the previous pregnancy ended in premature birth, it is worth discussing the restrictions on sex life with our doctor. In case of vaginal infection, leakage of amniotic fluid, bleeding, lower abdominal pain, cramping, shortened or dilated cervix, intercourse should also be avoided. It is very important to contact your gynecologist immediately if you notice anything unusual or any problem during pregnancy.
Starting over after giving birth
In the immediate postpartum period, sex is usually not at the top of mothers' priority list, as there are many new tasks waiting for them with the newborn. A woman's body needs time to regenerate after giving birth, even if it took place without any complications. Cohabitation is safe when the incisions and vaginal tissues have completely healed. In general, it is recommended to wait at least 6 weeks after giving birth.
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