Did you know that having sex during pregnancy is safe? Well, that’s good news! Besides, the whole pregnancy period may be too long to abstain for some, especially if sex is a usual part of you and your partner’s routine.
Also, your sex drive may increase at certain stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy may also affect the sex drive of your partner. Certain studies show that some men experience an increased attraction to their pregnant partner because of the changes in their body (i.e. increase in breast and butt size). So there’s no reason to deprive yourself and your partner, unless your doctor or midwife tells you otherwise, of course.
Interested to know which sex positions are considered safest for your baby? We’ve got you covered.
Is the Baby Safe When You Have Sex During Pregnancy?
It may be normal to wonder if babies get poked during sex. But the truth is, they don’t. The baby is secured in amniotic fluid within the amniotic sac, which is also protected by the uterine wall. So nope, your partner’s penis won’t touch the baby during sex. Some people also think that sex may cause a miscarriage or even early labor. For normal pregnancies, these are not true at all, per Medical News Today.
Miscarriages may happen when the fetus does not develop properly or if the pregnancy is considered high-risk. If this is the case, the OB/GYN or midwife may recommend that a pregnant woman avoid sex during the latter stages of pregnancy or abstain from sex completely. At the end of the day, the key is to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and follow their medical advice.
What are the Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy?
You can practically do the things you used do with your partner prior to being pregnant, although some positions may become a bit uncomfortable as your tummy grows. Here are some of the most common sex positions that are considered safe during pregnancy:
1. Spooning
Spooning is one of the most comfortable sex positions for pregnant women because you are lying on your side with your partner. If you haven’t tried it before, it’s similar to the kind of spooning where your partner hugs you from behind, except this version involves a few more parts.
Spooning is most beneficial when you’re in your second or third trimester because this is when the size of your belly could really get in the way of having great sex.
2. The doggy style
This is the position where you are on all fours and your partner enters you from behind. It’s another comfortable and pleasurable position since it doesn't put strain on your belly. If the size of your belly is making it hard for you to be on your hands and knees, you can use pillows for support.
Penetration from this position may be a little more intense as compared to others, even when you are not pregnant. So, if you feel a little discomfort when doing this, you should let your partner know so they can control the depth of their movements. Alternatively, you can use a product like Ohnut which helps control the depth. As they say, communication is key to sexual satisfaction. Agree?
3. Reverse cowgirl
This position is when your partner lies on his back and you straddle him with your back to him (or facing his feet). Think of it as if you are sitting on your partner’s lap, except he is lying on his back. You can be in control in this position, but your partner can still participate by elevating their hips, as you wish. Whatever floats both of your boats, of course.
This is a great position if you are in your second or third trimester because it keeps your belly uncompressed since you are on top. It may be challenging to stay in this position though without support, so you can either use pillows or ask your partner to hold your legs or hips.
4. Cowgirl
This is a more comfortable position as compared to the reverse cowgirl. In this position, you sit on top of your partner while facing him. It can be more comfortable because your legs are in a more stable stance. This position lets you control the level of penetration when you’re on top. If you feel a little bit uncomfortable, you can go easy on your movements, slow it down, or even just feel the skin of your partner without penetration.
Grinding on top is perfect during the first few months as the depth of penetration in this position could be uncomfortable on the third trimester.
5. Standing
Just like doggy style, this position allows your partner to enter from behind. This position is comfortable for pregnant women because their belly is uncompressed or unrestrained. It is better to do this position close to a wall, so you can lean against it for support while your partner supports your belly. Be cautious when standing though as you could be at risk of falling. Be sure to stand on the side of the bed or couch when doing this position just to be sure.
How About Oral and Anal Sex?
We know that pleasure does not always come from penetration, so you might be wondering about oral sex, too. The exciting news is, you can safely give and receive oral sex throughout your pregnancy. Yes, it won’t affect the baby no matter how much you play. The only time it might have a negative effect is when giving oral sex with a sensitive gag reflex, or when you feel sick/nauseous during pregnancy . So, make sure you take it easy and check in with yourself before and during oral sex.
One thing to tell your partner to avoid during cunnilingus is blowing air into your vagina as this may cause an air bubble to block a blood vessel, also known as air embolism. Although it happens very rarely, air embolisms could be life-threatening for you and your baby.
On the other hand, if you prefer to explore new sensations or just really enjoy anal sex, this is also safe to perform during pregnancy. Anal sex will not harm your baby.
Note: Make sure you avoid vaginal sex right after anal sex or clean properly before doing so. This may cause bacteria to spread from the rectum to the vagina and cause infection.
Find Ways to Keep Things More Exciting
You really don’t have to give up the joys in the bedroom during pregnancy. Experimenting and having fun doesn’t have to stop at all. You can always use sex toys, do role playing or try new things you haven’t tried before (like BSDM but you, the pregnant woman, are the one in charge). You can use BDSM sex toys such as ticklers, handcuffs, wristlets, slapper, ball gag and bondage tapes, among others. As long as you are comfortable using them while you’re pregnant, you’re all good.
If you or your partner aren’t in the mood for intercourse, you can still experience pleasure through clitoral stimulation using vibrators – on your own or with your partner. There are also cock rings your partner could use – and lucky for you, you can benefit from those as well.
Whatever kink you and your partner may have, we encourage that you explore and fulfill them even during pregnancy (as long as you have the green light from your doctor). It’s part of having a healthy sex life, and a fun and healthy relationship between you and your partner.
Final Thoughts
Again, sex during pregnancy is generally safe for normal pregnancies. However, the pregnancy journey is different for every woman. Some women have high-risk pregnancies, and some don’t. If you have any concerns, make sure to consult with your doctor about the status of your pregnancy before engaging in certain physical activities, including sex.
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