Want to help us test out our new Pregnancy channel? Take a sneak peek.
Close
 
 
Postpartum

4 Myths About Pregnancy Sex

By the editors of Babytalk Mom-to-Be magazine, Babytalk Mom-To-Be
 
See Also
Whether the problem is no time or no desire, here's how to bring sexy back - Parenting.com

Well, it's how you got here, isn't it? Ironically, we tend to think of intercourse and pregnancy as mutually exclusive. But just look at yourself: What could be sexier? Your partner no doubt thinks so, too. And you certainly don't have to worry about birth control. Put the following fears aside and go for it. In spite of your increasing girth, it's going to be a lot easier to pull off now than after the baby arrives. (Trust us.)

Myth 1: It will hurt the baby. Your fetus is so well protected in the amniotic sac that virtually none of the sexual gymnastics you two may be capable of will affect it. Nor will your partner's penis be able to reach the baby. Even if he were that well endowed, the cervix is tightly clamped shut.

Myth 2: It will hurt me. Though you probably don't want your mate sprawled across your belly at this point, experimenting with other positions (you on top, or sitting on the side of the bed while he stands in front of you, or sitting on his lap) may give you greater enjoyment than ever before. Some women even experience their first orgasms during pregnancy. Why? The genitals are engorged, the nerve endings more sensitive, and oxytocin, the hormone that maintains a pregnancy, is known to ignite lust.

Myth 3: It will cause premature labor. Not to worry. Stimulation of the breasts does speed up the production of oxytocin, which can cause contractions when you're near term. But, as you will no doubt discover, you can experience lots of contractions without going into labor. There are only a few high-risk situations in which obstetricians recommend abstaining from sex  -- a history of premature labor, cervical dilation, or rupture of the membranes; placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix and could be damaged); vaginal bleeding; and after your water has broken, leaving the fetus unprotected.

Myth 4: Oral sex is out. Thankfully, that's not the case, and it will become a convenient option when you get too uncomfortable to have actual intercourse. Just don't let your partner blow air forcefully and directly into your vagina. Doing so could cause a life-threatening air bubble in the bloodstream.


PRINT

Comments

No comments yet. Log in or register below to be the first.
Quick Poll

What's the most you've ever spent on a single kid's holiday gift?

Less than $100
$100 to $200
More than $200
I'm trying to forget


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

Amazing Diaper Cakes

Diaper cakes (diapers stacked together to resemble a cake) are not only creative and decorative, but practical as well -- the perfect gift for any mom-to-be! Here are some of our favorites

promotion
 

Blog: Project Pregnancy

Taylor Newman: "By this time in two weeks, my baby and I will be two separate -- if somewhat exhausted --people." Updated daily!

Blog: The Parenting Post

Erin Zammett Ruddy: "Have you ever gotten the when-are-you-due slap in the face? What other things did people say to you after giving birth that drove you crazy?" Updated daily!
Contests

Beautiful Baby Search 2010

Our latest gallery of gorgeous contestants -- is your kiddo one of them?
Mom Congress

Win a Free Trip to Washington, D.C.

We're sending 51 amazing moms to the capital for our first annual Mom Congress -- find out how you can be one of them