Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you should stop having sex. According to Kecia Gaither, M.D., maternal fetal medicine specialist at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, sex has benefits for both parents. “Sex is known to release endorphins and oxytocin—otherwise known as the ‘love hormone’—allowing for relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.”
Since a woman’s body is going through many changes, sex can feel different. There will be increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which cause cause engorgement of the genitals. This will result in heightened sensation that may add to the pleasure of sex for some women and detract for it for others. Some find that genital engorgement creates an uncomfortable feeling of fullness.
This means in order to have great sex during pregnancy, you both have to adjust your technique and positions. Try these tips for good sex during all phases of the pregnancy.
First Trimester
In the first trimester, try scissors more often. This position includes a shallower penetration than your will be used to. This protects your sensitive pelvic region. You can also be on your back, which is not as comfortable later in pregnancy. Enjoy this position while it is easy to accommodate.
If you want to keep going with missionary position a little longer, you can have sex on the edge of the couch or chair. Just position yourself on the edge, making it easy for him to slide in. This position helps avoid the bump.
You should stop missionary position by week 20 to be safe.
Second Trimester
Now that your belly is growing and your tendons are straining to accommodate a larger baby, you need to adjust your position. The most comfortable position will be doggy style. If you find this difficult or uncomfortable, use a pillow under your chest. Your husband can also try rear entry.
To modify it even more and give yourself a rest, put the pillow under your elbows and head. Relax and let him do all the work.
The cowgirl gives you the control and lets you control pace and depth. Have you man lay flat on his back and simply climb on top. Your husband can enjoy your ultra-sensitive breasts.
Third Trimester
When you get to the third trimester, that belly will get in the way of most positions. But you don’t need to stop being intimate. Spooning is a way of maintaining closeness and having sex without putting any pressure on the woman’s body. This is a gentle position that keeps penetration minimal, which is best for this time of pregnancy. You can still do the cowgirl or even add a reverse cowgirl for variety.
Labor
Most women won’t want to have sex during labor (although some do!), but research shows it is helpful for inducing labor. When you are at full term, feel free to have sex. sex releases prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that are like the medications used to induce labor. If you are trying this method, make sure he ejaculates inside the cervix, since the postlandins could stimulate the cervix and bring on contractions.