When I get that feeling, I want some sexual healing.
Come on – I can’t be the only one who sometimes (not all the time) wanted to get it on while carrying a little one. Hey, mama has her needs too, right? While pregnant with my first child, I instantly thought there was an unspoken rule of no sex during pregnancy because it would cause early labor and all sorts of craziness. However, after talking to my doctor, I was assured that things in the bedroom department could continue as normal, provided my husband and I are not indulging in any crazy 50 Shades of Grey stuff. My OB/GYN even reassured me that there are natural barriers protecting our growing little that include amniotic fluid and my trusty uterus.
Though my libido was not sky high like I thought it would be (sorry, no humping sofas for me), we have been able to keep up a somewhat regular sex life–even as the belly continues to grow. However, when I was in the final trimester, I started to wonder if we should stop as the baby only continues to get bigger and bigger. Not that I thought he would get his eye poked out or something silly, but God forbid something happens that could have been prevented if we just kept our hands off each other. This got me to thinking about signs one shouldn’t have sex during pregnancy. Do you know what they are? Here are some general warning signs you might want to back off a bit.
- Heavy cramping or pain. If you are experiencing some crazy cramps during and even after the act, push the pause button on your sexual escapades as that is a common warning sign you need to easy off.
- Vaginal bleeding. This is another warning sign that should give you some concern. Should you notice unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting, you could be putting too much pressure and stress on your special area which could lead to problems down the road.
- Leaking amniotic fluid. Should this happen you need to contact your practitioner immediately!
- Infection
- Don’t feel comfortable. There’s no need to force something that doesn’t make you feel comfy. If you are having hesitations about having sex during your pregnancy, let your partner know. The best thing you can do for your body is to follow your instincts and listen to your gut.
I found that keeping an open line of communication with my doctor was key. As she was quite familiar with both my pregnancy and business down there (y’all know), her professional expertise on what to do and what not to do has made all of the difference. Do speak with your doctor or practitioner about having sex, as all pregnancies will differ. If for example you have a high-risk pregnancy or are susceptible to preterm labor, they may recommend against it. It’s always best to play it safe than be sorry so find out what works best for you.
Click here to learn more tips on sex during pregnancy
