Tips for enjoying sex during pregnancy
BUMP AND GRIND – TIPS TO HELP EASE UNCOMFORTABLE SEX DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnancy can be filled with excitement, but if you’re adding uncomfortable sex to the less joyful moments then read on. We look at the possible causes, and what you can do to help ease any discomfort.
The excitement that pregnancy often brings, can be accompanied by a sack-load of not-so-cool stuff, like morning sickness, tiredness… and uncomfortable sex. Whether you’re in your first, second or third trimester, discomfort during sex isn’t something you should dismiss, or must put up with.
Here’s the lowdown of some possible causes, and what you can do to help ease any discomfort.
Embrace the experience and do what makes you feel comfortable
Is uncomfortable sex normal during pregnancy?
Every woman’s experience of pregnancy is unique and so are people’s perceptions of discomfort, so it’s hard to answer with a straight yes or no. Sex can be uncomfortable throughout pregnancy. Mostly because of totally normal changes happening in your body.
Feeling less comfortable during sex in pregnancy can be completely normal, and the reasons why are endless: after all, you’re making a new life, so your body’s resources are working overtime.
Sex can take energy on the best of days, and during pregnancy everything from tiredness to back pain can take the pleasure out of what should be a fun experience.
Should I worry about uncomfortable sex when I’m expecting?
It’s totally understandable to worry about any pain during sex, however mild. Especially if before you got pregnant you didn’t notice any discomfort. Of course, if you’re at all unsure about the source of pain or if you are avoiding sex due to pain, your first port of call should be your doctor, as they will be able to explore if there is a potential medical problem.
Why might sex be uncomfortable during pregnancy?
No-one needs to remind you of what’s happening in your body right now: you’re no doubt seeing and feeling the changes! One reason for discomfort is the growth of your belly.
Your bump might restrict movement and make it harder for you to get into your favourite positions. Pregnancy might be the perfect time to get creative and try different things – such as positions that are side-by-side – they are less likely to put undue pressure on your stomach.
Your boobs and nipples might also be a bit tender during pregnancy, which can sometimes make things a little uncomfortable. Tell your partner(s) openly about being gentle with them and maybe even switch focus to another one of your erogenous zones, such as the neck.
Is late pregnancy the most common time for uncomfortable sex?
You might experience uncomfortable sex at any point of your journey – after all, your body is working miracles from day one to create a new human. You may find that sex in the first trimester is uncomfortable because of early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, tender breasts, or indigestion that you may be experiencing. Understandably, this might mean that any hanky-panky is off the menu until you feel better.
If you’ve had a normal pregnancy without any complications, when you have sex or an orgasm towards the end of your pregnancy, you may feel mild contractions (where the muscles of your womb go hard). Don’t worry. This is completely normal. If this happens, try some relaxation techniques, or lie down and rest until the contractions pass. Getting to know what feels good (and what doesn’t) at different points in your pregnancy is key to having better sex.
Does pregnancy make you horny?
You might feel a change in your sex drive, but this might not be the case for every woman. If your mind’s telling you yes, but your body’s saying the opposite, it’s wise to explore the best ways to increase comfort. From easing general aches and pains to increasing vaginal moisture, there are plenty of tricks to help ensure you feel as good as you deserve to. If sex is occasionally painful because of vaginal dryness then we have one word for you: lube.
Is lube safe to use during early pregnancy?
It’s always a good idea to check with your midwife or doctor first. If they tell you lubes are safe to use, you could try our range of Durex Naturals Lube, which are made of 100% natural ingredients, and won’t mess with your body’s pH. It’ll give your vagina all the moisture it needs to help ease vaginal dryness. You can use it with sex toys or invite your partner to apply it down there if your bump is making certain areas hard to reach!
What other ways can sex be more comfortable during pregnancy?
Supporting your body with pillows in all the right places can be a quick, simple way of getting comfier. Sex encompasses so many different things, so if you’re finding it hard to get your kicks in the same ways you did before getting pregnant, don’t fret. Experimenting with sex toys, masturbation, sensual massage, and anything else that has the power to trigger a good sensation can be great ways to feel more relaxed. And very often, you might find that some of these new things become old favourites that you’ll enjoy doing whether pregnant or not.
Patience, a gentle touch, and a deeper understanding of what you like are all gained from you being open and honest about what you want, and how you want it.
