The human body changes significantly throughout pregnancy as it gets ready to bring a new life into the world. Pregnancy is a unique adventure. Regretfully, though, many people still view having sex while pregnant as taboo, especially when it comes to anal intercourse.

Many couples worry about how being pregnant would affect their relationship and wonder if they should stop having sex completely or take precautions to safeguard the unborn kid. But fear not—many couples carry on having sex while pregnant, and if certain safety measures are taken, it can really have a lot of positive effects on both your relationship and your health.

We'll go over all you need to know about having sex while pregnant below, including some of the finest choices for you and your partner.

Can I have sex during pregnancy?

To put it succinctly, sure. Until your doctor or midwife tells you differently, having penetrative sex while pregnant is completely safe. In fact, it's commonly accepted that having sex is healthy and acceptable during the entire pregnancy, even up until the point at which your water breaks. As long as precautions are taken to make it safe and comfortable, anal sex is also perfectly acceptable. For example, there's a chance of aggravating anal fissures or hemorrhoids, but as Parents points out, there are precautions you can take to reduce this risk, like using a water-based lubricant, going slow, and stopping whenever you experience pain or discomfort.

A doctor may, nevertheless, advise a couple in some situations to change their sexual behavior or forgo having sex while they are expecting. Among these situations are the following:

• If your placenta blocks the cervical opening entirely or partially (placenta praevia),
• If you're having mysterious vaginal bleeding
• If amniotic fluid is seeping out of you
• In the event that your significant other is infected with a STI

Speak with your healthcare physician if any of the aforementioned statements apply to you; they can go over some of your alternatives in more detail.

Myths about sex during pregnancy

Given all the myths that are often spread during pregnancy, it is normal to feel a little anxious about having penetration intercourse. Here are some prevalent beliefs regarding pregnant sex that will be explained, along with why they shouldn't worry you.

Myth #1: Sex can induce labour.

The idea that having penetrative intercourse while pregnant will hasten labor is one of the most widespread misconceptions about it. This notion is based on the discovery that prostaglandins, which are found in semen, have the ability to relax the cervix. Semen often contains less prostaglandins than other substances, thus unless the body is already completely ready for labor, it normally won't start one. During sexual activity, you can always wear protection if prostaglandins are a concern.

Myth #2: Sex will hurt the baby.

You need not worry about your partner's sex toys or penis interfering with your unborn child. This is a result of the uterus, which is entirely sealed off from the vagina by the cervix, where the baby grows and develops.

As such, having intercourse (including penetrative vaginal sex) shouldn't be dangerous for your unborn child. The uterine muscles and amniotic fluid serve as a barrier to safeguard the developing foetus. In addition, as was already noted, a successful pregnancy results in the cervix staying completely closed, forming a barrier that keeps anything from getting to the unborn child. It's crucial to give your sex toys a thorough cleaning after each use.  

Myth #3: Orgasms can be dangerous.

Some couples are concerned that orgasms, particularly if they occur vaginally, may be hazardous to the unborn child. This is due to the fact that clitoral or vaginal orgasms cause Braxton Hicks, which, despite their frightening name, are entirely common and typically safe until the very end of pregnancy. They are insufficiently potent to cause labor.

It's also important to remember that your unborn child will not be aware of any sexual behavior you may engage in while you are pregnant. In fact, the infant might take pleasure in the activity itself. The rhythmic contractions of the uterus, which occur when sexual stimulation achieves its climax, are similar to the soft rocking motion that often calms newborns. Moreover, endorphins—the feel-good hormones—that are released during orgasms have been connected to a decrease in stress chemicals like cortisol. Maternal health benefits from having low cortisol and high endorphin levels, and this benefits the health of your unborn child as well.

Benefits of pregnancy sex

Pregnancy-related benefits of having sex include, but are not exclusive to:

• increased blood flow, particularly to the vagina, clitoris, and breasts, which are the sexual organs. Better orgasms may ensue from an increase in genital sensitivity brought on by this.
• Particularly during a period when the body is growing and changing, positive sexual encounters can assist to increase self-esteem and body confidence.
• A wonderful approach to reduce stress and ease pregnancy-related aches and pains is through sex.
• Endorphins released during sex can have a relaxing influence on one's attitude and general mood.
• Building emotional ties through sexual intimacy can aid spouses in navigating the process of motherhood together.

How to make sex better during pregnancy

It's normal for your sexual experiences to change as your body adjusts to a new life. Thus, take into consideration the following advice to ensure that your sex stays pleasurable and pleasant throughout your pregnancy:

Be aware of hormonal changes Hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy may affect how you feel about sex. These alterations could show up as sore breasts or nipples, dry vagina, or even as tightness or pressure in the bladder. Keep a record of these adjustments as and when they happen, and be honest with your partner about how to maximize your comfort level during sex.

Find comfortable positions Certain sexual positions may no longer feel as comfortable as they once did as your pregnancy goes on and your belly grows. Don't worry, though; trying out various positions is a terrific way to discover new ones that suit both of you.

Especially in the later weeks of pregnancy, we would advise against spending a lot of time lying flat on your back as this might put strain on important blood arteries and create dizziness.

When pregnant, the following are a few of the most pleasant penetrative sex positions to try:

1. Lying on one's side or face up: This position promotes intimacy and releases pressure from the abdomen.
2. Spooning: A tender, caring position that encourages intimacy without putting undue strain on the abdomen.
3. As the woman in the top position, or cowgirl, you have complete control over the depth and pace of your movements.
4. Perching on the edge of the bed: This position can keep you close to the person but also relieve pressure on your abdomen.

Communicate with your partner Whether or not you are pregnant, having good sexual relations requires communication. As a result, let your spouse know if you are uncomfortable or experiencing any strange sensations during sex. Being honest will assist to create a sexual atmosphere that is supportive and understanding, allowing you both to modify as needed.

Find new ways to be intimate Recall that sexuality is not limited to penetration. As much as it is about physical touch, intimacy also involves emotional connection and connectivity. There are lots of options that might give your lover a feeling of intimacy and closeness. Sex that isn't penetrating, such oral sex or light physical contact, can nonetheless provide important intimacy and pleasure. It's crucial that you warn your partner not to blow air into your vagina if you like oral sex while pregnant, as this might result in an air embolism, an uncommon but dangerous illness. Blowing air into the vagina can cause the amniotic sac to split from the uterine wall and enter the placenta of the pregnant person's bloodstream.

Listen to your body Numerous physical and chemical changes that occur during pregnancy may have an impact on your body, including your desire for sexual activity. Therefore, it's important to realize that having sex during pregnancy is not required, even though it might be enjoyable at times.

There's no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed about having sex, regardless of whether you feel inclined to do so during pregnancy, whether you prefer anal or penetrative sex, or whether you don't want to have sex at all. Being pregnant brings up an entirely new experience that is unique to each person. A person's enjoyment of something may differ from another's. It's crucial to recognize that sex drive can fluctuate during pregnancy; some people may feel an increase, while others may notice a decrease.

Conclusion

Recall that having sex does not preclude you from having it. You may still have fun and stay in close contact with your partner even when you're spending intimate moments together alone or in a partnership. Some people may even find that having sex is more delightful while they are pregnant. You can still have wonderful sex before your kid is born, if you listen to your body's signals and are honest with your spouse.

It's also acceptable if you decide not to have sex when you're expecting. The notion of a "healthy sex life" is subjective and differs among individuals. Your perception of what feels healthy for you depends on a number of factors, including comfort, sexual desire, and preferences. Every pregnancy is different, just as every person's sex drive is unique to them. You should never feel compelled to do something against your will.