Encouraging Intimacy During Pregnancy

Intimacy during pregnancy can be heavenly and delightful for some couples, sickly and awful for others. Pregnant women experience hormonal changes, nausea, bloating, unmanageable mood swings. Many couples have common concerns and questions regarding intimacy during those 9 months of pregnancy. They want to know how their sex lives will weather the long storm.

Should we have sex during pregnancy?

Most couples can. If the pregnancy is a low risk and normal pregnancy, go ahead and proceed with caution. There are situations where abstaining from sex is best. Women with histories of miscarriages suffering from an illness or carrying multiple babies are on complete bed rest, or enduring other complications, sexual intercourse should be stopped.

Will sex feel different, now that she is pregnant?

Now that your partner or spouse is pregnant couples do notice a difference or change. To the man it probably feels better. The female is moister. To some women it is more pleasure because of an increase of blood flow to the pelvic area which causes engorgement of the genitals. The heightened sensation could add more sensations of ecstasy during sex. On the other side of the coin the engorgement of your genitals could be uncomfortable. She may be cramping during and/or after intercourse. Breasts may be tight or very tender. You may not want your partner to touch them. Let your partner know if you feel discomfort. Consider other erotic activities, mutual pleasuring etc. Make any adjustment as a couple to make intimate or sexual relations pleasing and enjoyable for both.

Am I sexy enough for intimacy in this state?

Many women don't feel sexy and their mate agrees, unfortunately. Other women confident with their bodies and the baby bump feel their sexiest and their husbands don't want to keep their hands off of them. Perhaps he rubs her swollen belly during a pleasurable round of intimate intercourse. Women who resist being touched by their partner, until after they have the baby because they just can't get use to the way they look, can damage a perfectly good sexual relationship.

Couples who do feel sexy enough are surprised to find that both of them have increased sex drives. Pregnant women are capable of increased sexual desires, mainly during the 2^nd trimester. In this stage the morning sickness has subsided and a lot of women get a sexual jolt or intense urge after feeling better, and not being sick anymore.

What about sexuality and high risk pregnancy?

Certain problems can occur that does put the growing fetus at risk to be born pre-maturely. If you are experiencing bleeding, have ruptured membranes, pre-term labor, you should not have intercourse or orgasms, this is when sex can be harmful.

How can I protect myself from sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy?

If you are at risk for urinary tract infections or (sti's) sexually transmitted infections or you have more than one partner, you should either abstain from sex or at least use a condom every time you have sex. Use polyurethane male or female condoms. Latex is not the best option.

Which sexual positions are best in my 3^rd trimester?

Couples need to experiment with positions. The pregnant woman can straddle her partner while he lays flat on his back to eliminate pressure or weight on the abdomen. Missionary position becomes difficult in this part of the pregnancy. If you do manage this position, wedge a pillow underneath so you are not flat on your back. Also put a pillow on your pregnant belly while lying flat so that your partner's body is not directly on top of the swollen abdomen.

How can I have sexual intercourse comfortably during those last months of pregnancy?

As the 9^thmonth approaches the growing belly gets in the way of intimacy and changing positions may be necessary for comfort. A water based lubricant may help make intercourse easier. You should not feel pain. During orgasm, your uterus will contract. If the contractions are painful, regular, or you feel you may be in labor please contact your doctor or midwife. Definitely discontinue sexual relations if you have heavy bleeding or your water breaks. (Nothing should enter the vagina after your water breaks).

How can my partner and I be intimate, when the doctor has limited sexual activity?

Doctors limit sexual activity due to a serious problem with the pregnancy. If sexual relations are out of the question for whatever reason your doctor has given you .As a couple you both still need to make time for intimate moments. Time taken out to be with your partner in an intimate setting is a must because those times will be far and in between, after giving birth. Being intimate does not require sex. Find other ways to explore love and affection. Take romantic walks, and enjoy candle lit dinners. Good old hugging and kissing each other, may remedy the situation. Give each other erotic massages with nice aroma therapy fragranced oils and soothing music. Mentally and physically you should be soothed and nurtured. This type of intimacy is thoughtful loving and truly intimate.

For more info, visit:

www.babycenter.com

www.webmd.com