<font face="Calisto mt"> Well, having sex is what got you here . . . being pregnant. There is a tendency for both expectant mothers and fathers to cut back on sex once they've achieved pregnancy (especially if getting pregnant has been work instead of a guess what surprise). Take a good look at yourself; what could be sexier? You can bet your partner will agree, so now's a good time to take advantage of hassle-free, fun sex. You certainly don't have to worry about birth control, and in spite of your increasing size, it will be easier to get down to the business of having sex before your little one arrives. Just ask anyone who has already had their first baby! Sex is perfectly safe during most pregnancies. With a normal pregnancy, you can keep doing it right up until your water breaks. Make sure to check with your doctor or midwife first if you're having any problems with your pregnancy, such as placenta previa or bleeding, or if you have a history of miscarriages.
Some women report that sex during pregnancy is the best they've ever had while for others it may not be so great. This heightened pleasure can probably be attributed to the increased blood flow to the pelvic area also known as engorgement of the genitals. If you find that sex has become particularly enjoyable during pregnancy it may be that you finally feel free from worries about conception and contraception, and are feeling sexier than ever. If you find yourself on the other end of the spectrum where sex is not as appealing during pregnancy, this can be due to several factors. The same engorgement that can push some women over the threshold of ecstasy can give other women an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after having sex and some women may feel abdominal cramping during or after sex. It may just be that you're tired or too nauseated to have sex or even care about it, especially in the first trimester. Things should pick up once you're past the first trimester. The second trimester is often marked by a resurging libido.
Your desire may wane again in the third trimester, as impending labor and delivery, and your belly loom large. By this point, some women just simply feel unattractive. The sex drive of your partner may actually increase. Most men find their pregnant partner truly attractive. But your partner's desire may be dampened by his concern for your health and your baby's health, apprehension about the burdens of becoming a father, fear that sex can hurt the baby, or even self-consciousness about making love in the presence of their unborn child.
Here are the most common myths about having sex during pregnancy:
Myth #1 - Sex will hurt the baby.
Sex is not harmful for your baby, in fact in most cases, the motion of having sex will rock your little one off to sleep. You won't hurt the baby by making love, even with your partner on top. The thick mucus plug that seals the cervix helps guard against infection. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus also protect your baby. You may notice that your baby is very active after your orgasm. This is because of your pounding heart, not because your baby knows what is happening or feels pain. On the same note, you partner's penis will not be able to reach the baby, even if he is that well endowed, because the cervix is shut tight. (We hate to deflate dad's ego but it just isn't possible!)
Myth #2 - Sex will hurt me
You probably won't be up for exploring alternative forms of sex but playing with other positions (you on top, sitting in your partner's lap, or a side by side spoon position) may be just the thing to send you over the top during love making. As the old saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." With a little experimenting, you and your partner are sure to find a position and technique that works for both of you. Be encouraged, some women experience their first orgasm while having sex during their pregnancy. This can be attributed to the engorgement of the genitals with more sensitive nerve endings. And oxytocin, the hormone that maintains your pregnancy, is known to spark the libido.
Myth #3 - Having sex will cause premature labor.
There is no medical evidence that the act of having sex causes labor. Stimulation of the breasts can speed up the production of oxytocin which can cause contractions when you are near your due date. As your pregnancy progresses, you will discover that you can and will have all sorts of contractions without going into labor. Your doctor or midwife may limit your sexual activity if your pregnancy is considered high risk with a history of premature labor, early cervical dilation, placenta previa, premature rupture of the membranes or vaginal bleeding.
Myth #4 - Oral sex is a no-no.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about having sex during pregnancy. Normal oral sex will not harm you or your baby and many couples consider it a nice substitute if intercourse is deemed too risky. It can become a convenient option when you get too uncomfortable to have actual intercourse. Just make sure your partner avoids blowing air into your vagina. If this is the first time you've heard of such a practice, it's being mentioned because blowing hard could cause an air embolism (obstructing a blood vessel) and it could potentially kill you and your baby.
Your pregnancy is a wonderful time for having close and loving sexual experiences with your partner. Take advantage of your down time and get creative with each other. You might just discover a side to you both that you didn't know existed before. Pregnancy is a time when many couples open doors and find new and exciting ways to be intimate with one another other than just the act of having sex.
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