Sexual Health
<p><b>Intimacy during pregnancy</b></p>
<p><b>Yes, it's safe to have sex</b><br />As an expecting mum, you might be in two minds about having sex with your partner as your main concern is the safety of you and your baby.</p>
<p><br />Is it possible to continue with the bedroom sessions? The good news is that It's highly possible and here's why:</p>
<p><br />Unless your doctor has given you strict and specific reasons to not engage in sexual intercourse, it's safe for you, your partner, and your baby.</p>
<p><br />During this time, as your body changes, sex will be different too. As a result of the surging hormones, your sex drive may be higher than normal. Your sensitivity might be heightened, and this could result in more intense and even multiple orgasms, thanks to all the extra blood flow to your vulva.</p>
<p><br /><b>Sex during pregnancy can help you:</b><br />• Burn a few calories.<br />• Lower your blood pressure.<br />• Sleep more peacefully.<br />• Ease pain and discomfort: orgasms signal the release of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that can increase your pain tolerance.</p>
<p><br /><b>Will you hurt your baby?</b><br />Sex will not harm your baby in any way if you have a typical and uncomplicated pregnancy. Nor will it increase the risk for infection, (make sure your partner doesn't have any sexually transmitted infections).</p>
<p><br />The baby is protected by strong uterus muscles, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug that develops around the cervix.</p>
<p><br />Thanks to the raging hormones, pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster, but sex can be a great way to destress and relax. Furthermore, the oxytocin surge that comes when you orgasm boosts feelings of love and happiness, making you feel even closer to your partner.</p>
<p><br /><b>Safe sex</b><br />Choose positions that don't put pressure on your belly, especially during the later stage of your pregnancy. Be comfortable in positions where you can control the depth and speed of penetration.</p>
<p><br />Comfortable positions may include:<br />• Being on top of your partner.<br />• Side-by-side spooning.<br />• Sitting at the edge of the bed.<br />• Oral sex.</p>
<p><br />Oral sex is perfectly safe to continue throughout pregnancy. However, your partner should avoid blowing air into your vagina as this can cause an air embolism, where an air bubble blocks a blood vessel. Though rare, an air embolism could be life-threatening for both you and your baby.</p>
<p><br />In most cases, it's safe to have anal sex, if you're feeling well and have no pregnancy complications. It will not harm the baby, but it may be uncomfortable if you have pregnancy-related haemorrhoids (piles). Avoid anal sex followed by vaginal sex, as this could spread bacteria from the rectum to the vagina which could result in an infection.</p>
