Time for safer sex education! Even as adults, we need a refresher on best practices and available, inclusive resources. Check out this guide.
Everything you need to know about sex while pregnant...
It's not unusual to be careful during sex while pregnant, but unless you've been specifically told to avoid particular things by a healthcare professional, then having sex is quite safe.
In fact, with tools like a pregnancy calculator, you can know what your body is doing and when it's most comfortable to do what. It's common to have fears about things like ectopic pregnancy or other possible issues, but sex doesn't have anything to do with those things occurring. In fact, there are even possible health benefits to enjoying intimacy during pregnancy.
Actually, it's better than safe, in some cases it's actually beneficial.
Here are some of the obvious benefits:
1. Increase the sense of intimacy with your partner
Since getting a positive pregnancy test, you and your partner might be keen on heading to the bedroom, yet have held back because you're worried it will affect the baby. Don't stress! The body is a lot more adaptable than you realise!
2. It might even feel better than ever before...
Pregnancy symptoms like surging hormones can send your sex drive higher than usual. (Though if you’re just not feeling it, that’s normal too.) Even better? All that extra blood flow to your vulva can heighten sensitivity, so you could experience more intense sensations and orgasms. You might even discover pleasure zones that you didn’t even know you had!
3. Relieve pregnancy symptoms
While sex can be a great form of exercise already, it's even better when pregnant. Too tired to hit the gym? A quick session between the sheets can burn just as many calories.
Sex during pregnancy can help you:
- Burn a few extra calories: 30 minutes of sex can burn up to 50 calories. That's not the same as a workout, but hey, are workouts as much fun?
- Lower blood pressure: A healthy blood pressure is always a good thing, but it's especially important when you have a baby on board, since high blood pressure is linked to the pregnancy complication preeclampsia.
- Enjoy a more restful sleep: Basking in that post-sex glow is relaxing, so you might find yourself tossing and turning a little less afterwards. As an added bonus? All that rocking can lull your baby to sleep, which could mean fewer kicks while you’re trying to doze off.
