Now that you’re pregnant, has your sexual experience between you and your partner gone into a deep freeze? If so, consider thawing it out.
Sex during pregnancy is not only healthy but recommended for both you and your baby. It helps you sleep better, improves your mental health, and is good for your relationship.
Here are our top 11 reasons why a pregnant should make some make love every day.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! However, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor first, just to ensure you don’t have any complications.
Another important reason why you need to discuss sex with your health care provider is if you have a history of miscarriage or are at a higher risk for one.
If this is so, your doctor may suggest avoiding sex for the first few months.
11 Reasons Why A Pregnant Woman Should Make Love Everyday
1. It Improves and Strengthens Your Bond
A lot of women become intensely focused on their pregnancies, this behavior can make their partners feel left out and possibly make their husbands change in a certain way, says Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., a professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
She recommends that pregnant women should share physical affection with their partner during pregnancy to strengthen their family bond, help in the complication-free progression of pregnancy and labor and also be ready for the new arrival.
2. Aids Circulation in the Body
Blood circulation is doubled during pregnancy to meet the needs of the mother and the growing baby, but slow circulation can hinder the process.
Increased blood circulation is one of the health benefits a pregnant woman gets during sex.
With the release of hormones during pregnancy, sex helps in the additional supply of oxygen and healthy nutrition to the fetus which in turn helps in growth and development.
3. You’ll Discover New Sex Positions
The missionary style (man-on-top puts too much pressure on your belly) goes out the window pretty quickly.
Having sex during pregnancy can help you and your spouse discover a new sex position.
You can try sitting at the edge of your bed while your husband/partner kneels or stands (depending on the height of your bed) and enters you from the front, or you can try the spoon position, with both of you lying side by side as he enters you from behind.
Related Article: 7 Best Sex Positions To Get Pregnant With Twins
4. The Feeling is Different and Sometimes Even Better
Sex during pregnancy increases circulation to your pubic area, which heightens sensitivity, and makes some women reach climax, says Claire Jones, M.D., an OB-GYN at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
Your reproductive part is also more lubricated because of your increased estrogen hormone, and your breasts become more sensitive.
5. It relieves Stress Which Leads To Greater Satisfaction
When you reach climax during sex, it floods your body with oxytocin known as the love hormone. This hormone is responsible for the production of endorphins, which leave you feeling calm and excited.
Schwartz advises having sex when stressed out because sex releases endorphins that can make one feel secure and even alleviate pain.
6. It Strengthens Pelvic Floor Muscles Which Aids Easy Delivery
Sex during pregnancy is very beneficial, especially in the 3rd trimester. This is because it helps strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.
Having regular sex with your partner during pregnancy keeps these muscles toned and strong to deal with the arduous task of child delivery hence it doesn’t warrant any external help to bring the baby out.
Some medical practitioners even suggest having sex with your partner closer to your due date to induce labor.
7. It Improves and Boosts Immunity
Immunity in a pregnant woman can diminish most times. Medical practitioners often prescribe a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure that pregnant women are not susceptible to any sort of complications, and sex plays a major role in strengthening immunity.
Research has found that having sex while pregnant increases the level of IgA antibodies which help improve immunity and provide resistance to seasonal cold and flu which is usually common during pregnancy, although this theory is still debatable.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Due to the release of hormones during pregnancy, the entire body goes into a relaxed state, hence a decrease in blood pressure.
This, however, does not reduce the chances of Preeclampsia and do not forget to consult a medical practitioner in case of preeclampsia.
9. Fewer Bathroom Leaks and Better Bladder Control
You may be experiencing frequent urination or slight incontinence when you laugh or sneeze.
Having sex during pregnancy helps to contract your muscles and make them strong, hence regulating the flow of urine.
10. Improves Self-Esteem
Having sex with your partner during pregnancy can improve self-esteem by leaps and bounds.
A lot of changes occur in your body during pregnancy and all these can be a little too much for your body to take in – you are most likely not going to look like your older self, which may make you feel less beautiful and sexy.
All these feelings are normal. Having regular sex may give you more confidence and help develop a positive attitude towards yourself and help strengthen your bond with your partner too.
11. Accelerates Postpartum Recovery
Reaching climax during sex when pregnant strengthens the pelvic muscles for birth, which in turn speeds up postpartum recovery.
If you are unable to perform kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, you can try making love with your partner to contract these muscles.
Related Article: Best Sleeping Position For Pregnant Woman
When Not To Have Sex During Pregnancy
While sex can be of great health benefit for the pregnant woman and dad-to-be, there are certain situations under which sex is best avoided. You should avoid having sex with your partner during pregnancy:
- If you risk having a miscarriage or have a history of miscarriages
- If your amniotic sac has a ruptured membrane
- If you are at risk of preterm labor
- If you are cramping and bleeding from an unknown cause
- If your cervix has dilated early
- If you are expecting twins or more
- If your placenta is too low in the uterus
- If you have a short cervix or cervical incompetence
Read Also:
- Why Do Husbands Change After Having A Baby? 4 Helpful Tips
- Feeling Unattractive During Pregnancy
- Sexless Marriage After a Baby (9 Helpful Tips)
- What Happens To Sperm in a Pregnant Woman?
- How To Deal With My Pregnant Wife’s Mood Swings
Wind Up
As a pregnant woman, you will see yourself adapting to the many changes that come with pregnancy, just follow your sexual instinct and do what makes you feel comfortable.
If you feel like relaxing, you should do it, but don’t withhold yourself if you wish to make love and satisfy your sexual urges.
We hope this article, has given you an indebt answer to your question about having sex during pregnancy, so go ahead and enjoy the transition your body is going through and have a smooth delivery.