The dos and donts of lovemaking when you’re expecting
The big news seems frightening at first, elicits excitement, and then brings about its fair share of questions from beginning to end. You are carrying a new life inside of you (!) and are now responsible for another human being. One of the most common questions moms-to-be ask? “Can having sex during pregnancy harm the fetus?” We explore the topic below…
First things first…
Did you know that endorphins released during sex relax not only the mother, but the fetus as well? And forget the myth that stipulates that penetration could cause discomfort to your baby. The penis can in no way reach it, nor can it reach inside the cervix. Basically, unless otherwise indicated, sex cannot negatively affect your pregnancy.
Sex, from start to finish
During the first trimester, discomfort coupled with an expectant mother’s fears may sometimes bring her to refuse her partner’s advances. Morning sickness and headaches seem to halt all desire, and then there are some women who fear miscarriage. But rest assured: at the beginning of a pregnancy, standard sexual relations do not have such consequences. To put your mind at ease, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
During the second trimester, physical discomforts subside and you begin to feel better. Your body changes, which will reassure you that your pregnancy is on the right track, and it gives you a beautiful glow. After all, isn’t a pregnant woman the ultimate symbol of femininity? Physiologically speaking, the dilation of the vagina and perineum, as well as improved blood circulation, helps facilitate sexual stimulation. We even hear that some women’s orgasmic capabilities may increase at this stage of a pregnancy.
Come the third trimester, the passion you’ve experienced during the past few months could dissolve, and certain fears may resurface. Among these, the fear of a premature birth following sex. Did you know that contractions brought on by an orgasm will not cause you to go into premature labour? That said, if your doctor recommends you stay rested, you should certainly avoid sexual activity. And in case of bleeding or should you believe you’ve lost amniotic fluid, always consult your physician.
