PREGNANCY AND INTIMACY

 

Being a Women's Health Physiotherapist,  we come across a lot of questions related to pregnancy, fitness, Reproductive health and kost commonly related to Sexual Health. One most common combos of all the above with sexual health is Pregnancy and Sex.

"Is it safe, to have sex?

Is there any precautions?

Will I hurt the baby?

Are there chances of pre-mature labour?

What if I bleed?"

There's a lot of confusion around this concern.

So let me explain some basics about sexuality during pregnancy.

Sex and Pregnancy is sometimes the "pizza-pepsi" combo and sometimes it's also "pizza-milkshake". Every couple has a different experience and expectations. For some it is like, you are always turned on and sometimes, nothing turns you on. 

So for the better understanding, let me divide pregnancy to 4 phases as by Ganem's Classification 

PHASE 1: From conception to 12 weeks

• Several studies have proved that sexual desire is usually decreased to 20% at this time
• All the new changes and also the whole new beginning of pregnancy, never let's you to think anything more than that.
• Emotional changes, responsibilities and fear of mis carriage contributes to this

PHASE 2: 13 to 32 Weeks

• This time is a special time for couples to refocus on themselves 
• They enjoy every moment of the pregnancy 
• Usually women feel a high libido as she has adjusted herself to all the pregnancy induced changes
• When it comes to men, they always have a mix of all emotions.
• It's been proved that many women have experienced their very first orgasm with pregnancy sex, as their Pelvic congestion takes the reason

PHASE 3: 32-36 Weeks

• Again the fear comes in, where they concern for the baby's safety to the most
• The weight of the baby and it's induced discomforts doesn't bring the thought of sex to both, however high libido stays
• Women experience a lot of WET DREAMS

PHASE:4 36+ Weeks

• To many women,  this time is not so favorable for sex, as most of the time an orgasm may lead to pain and this is because Pelvic congestion takes an extra time to resolve 
• And on the other had, Sex is the best way to Induce labor too!

Added to all these, pregnancy hormones play big critic to sex.

Sex response especially in women is way different in pregnant women. Even men have many changes too. Its both hot and chill in pregnant sex. Many women complaint of lower abdominal cramps associated to orgasm, meanwhile some admit that they had their best first orgasm ever. Lubrication is a question and for some they get wet much easier than before. Many men face Ejaculatory disturbances/Erection failure where inner guilt or decreased libido is the reason for it

So, what's the solution

• SEX doesnt mean penetration alone
• Go with your choice and need
• Respect each others choices
• Have a open conversation with your partner
• Have a word with your consultant.
• If advised to refrain from sexual routine, clear out what are your boundaries. Refrain from Sexual routine does not mean so complete as you understand most of the time. So, open out, discuss with your care provider
• If you feel uncomfortable, try and explore any other methods, Even Eye contacts are Intimacy for many.
• Try with cuddling, carresses, sexual touches.
• CLIMAX and ORGASM is no more your goal, instead care for Mutual Pleasure which makes Sex, much Intimate
• Try out and modify Positions ( Women on top, On four position, Scooping, Rear Entry, Side-to-Side)
• Avoid high thrusting, let the control be to the women, so she can decide what she wants and comforting
• Have  body- positivity and confidence. Pregnancy bodies are different and are never imperfect
• Provide Reassurance
• Spend Quality time together

Three Mantras for Pregnancy Sex,

"LOVE MAKING IS AN ART"

"CONSENT IS MOST IMPORTANT"

"MAKE IT INTERESTING"

Sex is not always Intimate, Unless you follow all the above

"Intimacy Matters,

Intimacy Spices Up"