Importance of Sex During Pregnancy: 12 Helpful Benefits

Sex may be the last thing on your mind during pregnancy. Most times, this is a function of the hormonal and physical changes in this period. However, sex is a great way to maintain a strong emotional and physical relationship with your partner during pregnancy. In addition, it also has important benefits for you and your baby!

In this article, you’d find more truths about sex during pregnancy, the benefits of having sex while pregnant, and how to stay safe while at it.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy.

However, it is important to get your doctor’s approval first. This is just to ensure you wouldn’t have any complications later. This is also important if you have any history of miscarriage or you’re at risk for one. In that case, you’d be advised to stay off sex, especially for the first few months of pregnancy.

Benefits of Having Sex During Pregnancy

Pregnancy sex provides numerous benefits for every would-be-mom. Some of the benefits are physiological and some are emotional. Some of these benefits are discussed below:

1. Better Orgasms

The release of the two main pregnancy hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, help you experience better orgasms that last longer and are stronger during pregnancy. Furthermore, increased oestrogen levels lead to more blood flow to the pelvic area, making you more aroused.

2. Sex Improves Sleep

Rest is really important while expecting.

Thankfully, sex during pregnancy helps you relax and provides you with good sleep. This is actually due to increased oxytocin levels.

3. Improved Immunity

Here’s the fact: Pregnant women experience a dwindling immunity. As a result, doctors recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle to make sure you don’t fall ill in this period.

Interestingly, sex plays an important role in strengthening your immunity.

Studies show that sexual activity during pregnancy increases the level of IgA antibodies that improve your immunity and provide resistance to cold and flu which are common during pregnancy.

4. Sex Lowers Blood Pressure

The hormones released post-orgasm help your body attain a relaxed state, and this, in turn, lowers your blood pressure. However, this does not reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

It is very important for you to consult your doctor in cases of preeclampsia.

5. Sex Strengthens Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

In the third trimester, sex strengthens your pelvic floor muscles. Regular sex at this time helps to keep these muscles toned and strong in preparation for the great deal of work they’ll do during vaginal delivery.

6. Sex Reduces Bathroom Leaks

Frequent urination is a normal part of pregnancy. In fact, you may even leak some pee when you sneeze or laugh. This is because as your pregnancy progresses, your baby gets bigger and presses on your bladder. Sex helps to contract your muscles and make them strong.

The beautiful part is that the muscles you will be strengthening for labour are the same you use to pee. This helps to regulate your flow of urine.

7. It Improves Bonding With Your Partner

During pregnancy, having sex helps to release endorphins, the hormones that reduce stress levels. This provides a healthy environment for you and your baby.

Sex during pregnancy also increases the production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for love and emotional attachment. This helps to build a better bond between you and your partner and also help in the complication-free progression of your pregnancy and labour.

8. Sex Prepares You for Labour

If you’re full-term already or past your due date, having sex prepares your body for childbirth. This is because semen also contains prostaglandins which help to ripen your cervix.

9. It Induces Labour and Easy Delivery

Regular sex during pregnancy helps to contract your pelvic muscles and open your cervix. This helps in vaginal delivery, making the process of labour easier. In fact, some doctors encourage regular sex close to your due date to help induce labour.

10. It accelerates postpartum recovery

Orgasms during sex while pregnant prepares your pelvic floor muscles for childbirth, this, in turn, helps to speed up your postpartum recovery. Indulging in sex helps to contract your pelvic muscles.

11. Sex Improves Self-esteem

During pregnancy, your body may feel like it’s not your own. You may feel less attractive and sometimes, older. This is because of the many physical changes you are experiencing. Having regular sex can help restore your body confidence and positive feelings about yourself. It helps to make a difference in how you see yourself and how others see you too.

12. It Helps Blood Circulation

During pregnancy, your blood supply doubles to meet your needs and the needs of your growing baby. Sex helps to increase your blood circulation during pregnancy.

When Is Sex Not Safe During Pregnancy?

Depending on your situation, your doctor may restrict you from having sex while you’re pregnant. This can be for the full nine months or for a certain period of time. Some of the reasons for this restriction include but are not limited to:

• Vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping of unknown cause
• Leakage of amniotic fluid
• Diagnosis of an incompetent cervix or placenta previa
• History or symptoms of preterm labour or premature birth
• Multiple Pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets, etc)

It is also advisable to avoid sex if you’re having contractions or if your water has broken.

Conclusion

Sex is good for you and your baby during pregnancy. Engage in regular sexual activity during pregnancy to help you maintain good health and also to prepare you for your delivery process.

Nothing stops you from having a good time, Mama