During my time working at a sex shop, I encountered the topic of sex during pregnancy several times. It was mostly men who asked about potential issues related to it, out of concern that they might harm their partner and the baby.
I must point out in advance that if you have any concerns regarding pregnancy, it is always best to consult your gynecologist or obstetrician.
The truth is, however, that most women enjoy sex during pregnancy much more. For many, it is easier to reach orgasm. And it is possible to engage in intimate activities right up until delivery. It won’t harm the baby in any way, and the truth is that many men really like the round bellies of expectant mothers.
Be careful with sex during the first trimester
The only time when sexual play may not be the most pleasant pastime is during the first trimester. That is, the period from conception to the fourth month of pregnancy. There is no risk of harming the baby—it is very well protected—and as long as the couple does not intend to engage in rough or brutal practices, there is no danger.
The problem is more likely to be morning sickness and general fatigue in the woman. The expectant mother is still getting used to her condition and has neither the desire nor the energy for sexual play.
The only potential danger here is for a persistent partner to have household items fall on their head.
Second trimester = libido is aroused and wants more
By the fourth month, a pregnant woman is usually feeling quite well, and her desire begins to return; some women are overcome by it and feel obsessed with sex. Hormones are doing their thing, and many women in the second trimester feel as if they’re on a high—they want it all the time, constantly.
They fully enjoy and savor sex; thanks to increased blood flow to the pelvis and vagina, they also enjoy sex much more intensely than before pregnancy.
As the belly grows and expands, some positions become unsuitable. In a way, however, this serves as motivation to experiment and try new positions.
Different positions and the pressure of the belly then affect intercourse differently, and thanks to increased blood flow to the pelvic area, there may be unexpected and very pleasant discoveries regarding stimulation.
At this time, it’s best to opt for cuddling and various gentler toys/aids; your partner should become more sensitive and attentive, and the expectant mother will surely repay him as soon as she can, likely after the postpartum period, and often with interest.
The third trimester is all about tenderness
There are exceptions that must curb their desires, namely women whose pregnancy is high-risk, multiple, or for whom a doctor advises against it.
It is certainly necessary to be mindful of the choice of positions and, above all, to avoid rough sex, but the general rule is that what is good for the mother is good for the baby.
In the third trimester, the woman once again shows little interest in sexual pleasures; her mind is focused on her future child and on providing for the baby’s needs. Moreover, with her ever-growing belly , she doesn’t feel attractive and feels clumsy.
Recommended positions we’ve tried
Among the most favored and popular methods is the so-called “doggy style”. In this position, the woman kneels with her legs spread wide and her hands braced in front of her. The man penetrates the woman from behind. The advantage is that the abdomen is completely free, never compressed, and the woman has no breathing difficulties.
Another very suitable position is the “cowgirl” position, where the man lies on his back and the woman, colloquially speaking, straddles him. The advantage of this position is that it is very versatile. The woman can turn her back to the man, resulting in a different stimulation.
Suitable positions also include when the partners lie on their sides and the man penetrates her from behind – or the spoon position. A huge advantage is, once again, the many variations of this position, where there is no pressure on the belly.
As for “classic” missionary-style positions, it is important to ensure that there is no pressure on the belly or other similar restrictions. In the later stages of pregnancy, this position also becomes unsuitable due to the “weight” of the belly, which can make it difficult for moms to breathe.
Does it help with the pelvic floor?
Finally, one more piece of information: experts even claim that sexual activity is beneficial for an easier delivery later on, because regular sex helps strengthen the pelvic muscles. Plus, semen contains the hormone prostaglandin, which softens the cervix.
So unless an expectant mother is suffering from a complete lack of sexual desire during pregnancy—let’s make love!
