How is sexual intercourse during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience a decrease in libido, not only due to hormonal changes, but also changes in the body itself, which can make the woman a little uncomfortable. Therefore, it is very important that the couple can talk openly about these issues, so that together they can overcome the difficulties that are identified.

Sexual intercourse is recommended during pregnancy and does not harm the baby’s development, however, due to the size of the belly, some positions may be uncomfortable for the woman, and it is recommended to give preference to positions in which the belly is freer, such as on the side. or above, for example.

Although sexual intercourse is encouraged in almost all pregnancies, there are some situations in which the obstetrician may request restriction, such as when the woman had abnormal bleeding during pregnancy, has placenta previa or is at high risk of premature birth. Therefore, whenever there are doubts about sexual intercourse during pregnancy, you should consult your obstetrician.

Changes in libido during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is normal for there to be changes in libido, both due to hormonal changes that occur during this period and changes in the body, which can cause sexual intercourse to be associated with discomfort, resulting in a decrease in desire.

1st quarter

In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for there to be fears and insecurities that sexual intercourse could harm the pregnancy or even cause miscarriage, and both women and men go through a period where there is apprehension and fear, with a decrease in the couple’s desire. . Furthermore, this is also a trimester of changes in the body and a lot of nausea and vomiting, which can also contribute to a decrease in desire.

2nd quarter

Generally, sexual desire returns to normal in the second trimester of pregnancy, as there is already greater acceptance of the changes observed in the body. Furthermore, during this period hormones can lead to an increase in sexual appetite and as the belly is not yet very large, there is freedom to continue adopting different positions.

3rd Quarter

In the third and final trimester of pregnancy, the desire remains but the couple may encounter some difficulties. During this period, there are positions that are uncomfortable due to the size of the belly, as it ends up changing the woman’s center of gravity, which can leave her with less balance and more clumsy. During this period it is very important to try different positions to find the one that is most comfortable for the couple. Furthermore, during this period, due to the size of the belly, the man may have some concerns and fears about hurting the baby, which could end up reducing the couple’s desire.

Can sexual intercourse affect the baby?

Sexual contact does not cause any harm to the baby, as it is protected by the muscles of the uterus and the amniotic sac. Furthermore, the presence of a mucous plug on the cervix also prevents any microorganism or object from entering the uterus. Sometimes, after intercourse, the baby may become more agitated, but this only happens due to the increase in the mother’s heart rate and the slight contraction of the uterine muscles, and does not affect the baby or its development.

Furthermore, after orgasm, the woman may sometimes feel her belly harden, this happens due to the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream, but it does not pose any risk to the pregnancy or the baby. For some women, hours after sexual intercourse it is possible to identify a blood stain on their underwear, which is not a warning or danger sign, however, if there is active bleeding, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

Although in most cases it does not pose any risks to the baby, sexual intercourse is not indicated when the woman is at risk of miscarriage, premature birth, total placenta previa, ruptured sac or placental abruption. Furthermore, it is important that a condom is used, as this way it is possible to prevent infections that can be transmitted sexually and passed on to the baby.

What is postpartum sexual intercourse like?

During the first 3 weeks after giving birth or until the woman feels comfortable, it is not recommended to have sexual intercourse, as the intimate area needs to recover and heal, especially after a natural birth. It may take up to 40 days for the cervix to return to its original shape. Having sexual intercourse before this period increases the risk of postpartum infection.

After this recovery time, with the doctor’s authorization it is possible to resume your sexual life, however this can be a stressful period of great insecurity, because the hormones involved in breastfeeding can affect libido. However, it is worth highlighting that the couple’s dynamics are the most important factor in the reappearance of sexual desire. Furthermore, newborns require a lot of time and attention, which leaves parents exhausted and can contribute to a natural decrease in sexual desire in the first few months.

Furthermore, after giving birth, a woman’s pelvic floor muscles may be weakened due to the weight of her belly throughout the months of pregnancy, which can cause discomfort and even apprehension. Therefore, strengthening the muscles in this region through the practice of specific exercises such as pompoirism, is a great way to strengthen the muscles in the intimate region and increase lubrication, helping to have greater sexual satisfaction. See how to do pompoarism exercises.