We just started this new series that is set to boost our sexual lives last week. I hope you’ve been having a swell time. Follow me today as I take you on a beautiful ride surrounding Sex in Pregnancy and after Delivery.
Sex is a healthy part of a loving relationship with your husband. For most women, sex is safe to have when pregnant.
SEX DURING PREGNANCY
TOP THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX DURING PREGNANCY
If your pregnancy is healthy, you can have sex. You and your partner can use positions that are safe and comfortable throughout pregnancy. Sex doesn’t hurt the baby, the amniotic fluid in the uterus helps to protect the baby during sex. Sex may not be safe during pregnancy if there are certain pregnancy complications presently or in past pregnancies. Examples of complications that may not make sex safe in pregnancy includes multiple pregnancies; miscarriage in the past or a risk of having one in current pregnancy; history of premature baby or preterm labor in the past or now; history of incompetent Cervix (Cervix that open too early during pregnancy); history of Placenta Previa (PP), this causes serious bleeding and complications later in pregnancy.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE SEX SAFE DURING PREGNANCY
Sex doesn’t hurt the baby during pregnancy. The muscles of the Uterus and the Amniotic fluid that surround the baby help to protect the baby. Even though sex is safe for most women during pregnancy and doesn’t hurt, you do want to protect the baby from certain infections during sex.
To keep you and your baby safe, protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). STIs can cause problems for the baby during pregnancy and birth. It can be gotten from Vagina by means of either Oral or Anal sex. If you engage in Oral Sex which involves the mouth and genitals, be sure your husband doesn’t blow air into your Vagina. Blowing air into the Vagina can cause Air Embolism.
HOW PREGNANCY AFFECT YOUR SEXUAL LIFE
Your interest in sex and desire for sex can change throughout pregnancy. Rising and falling of hormone levels and other changes in the body may affect your sex drive. Whatever the mood is, let your partner know what feels comfortable or uncomfortable for you.
SEX POSITIONS DURING PREGNANCY
Position during early pregnancy that may be uncomfortable or even unsafe at the later stage of pregnancy is Missionary position. After four months of pregnancy, this position puts pressure on major blood vessels that is meant to be of help to the weight of the growing baby. Instead try these positions:
- Cowgirl- This position put you in control of how fast, slow and comfortable you are during sex. It takes pressure off the baby.
- Spooning- Laying sideways with your partner lying behind you. It is very safe for you and your baby.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN BE CLOSE TO YOUR PARTNER
- Cuddling
- Kissing
- Massage
- Oral sex
SEX AFTER DELIVERY
The most common issue with sex after delivery includes:
- Vagina Dryness
- Thin Vagina Tissue
- Loss of Elasticity in Vagina Tissue
- Perineal Tear/Episiotomy
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Soreness
- Fatigue
- Loose Muscles
- Low Libido
Hormones play big role in post-delivery recovery and a return to normal sexual activities. Following childbirth, Oestrogen drops to pre-pregnancy levels. If breastfeeding, Oestrogen level might sink below pre-pregnancy level. Oestrogen helps supply of natural Vagina lubrication, so low level of the hormone increases likelihood of Vagina dryness.
Dry tissue leads to irritation and bleeding during sex, this may increase risk of infection. Vagina birth temporarily stretches the muscles of the Vagina canal; therefore, the Vagina needs time to recover its strength and stability.
If you have episiotomy during childbirth, you may need longer recovery. Also, a Caesarean Section kind of child delivery can affect Vagina sensation. The hormonal tissue can make the tissue of the Vagina dry and thin possibly leading to painful sex.
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SEX LIFE WITH YOUR PARTNER AFTER DELIVERY
- Take it slow
- Increase Foreplay
- Use Lubricant
- Practice Kegel
- Make time for Sex
- Talk with your husband
To stay connected with your husband, talk about your needs in an open and loving way. Let comfort and pleasure be your guide.
Thank you for reading!
God bless WOW!
Questions And Answers
Question 1: Please, what is Air Embolism?
Answer
Air Embolism means Air can find its way into the blood stream, causing an obstruction or restriction to blood flow, which could be life threatening.
Contribution
Cow girl style is pleasurable especially when hubby is now playing with my nipples. But I don’t think nipples tickling is advisable in pregnancy because I heard it can cause contractions.
Topic: Sex in Pregnancy and After Delivery
Lecturer: Oluwaseun Alake
Date: Wednesday 3rd November, 2021.