Desire, sex and masturbation during pregnancy, do you have doubts?

Let's start by answering the main question: are sex and masturbation safe during pregnancy? The answer in most cases is yes , These practices are completely safe for both the baby and the mother.

Don't think you can harm your baby by masturbating or having sex, as babies are protected by the uterus and amniotic fluid. Furthermore, the vagina is completely separate from the space the baby occupies because the cervix is ​​blocked during pregnancy by a mucus plug that helps prevent infections.

It is clear that the woman's body is very well designed, and the baby has a warm, comfortable and very safe little home.

Does that mean you can't have sex? No, not at all; in fact, it has many advantages.

During pregnancy, the body becomes a mix of emotions and sensations. Organs shift to make room for the baby, the belly grows, the breasts also expand and become more sensitive. On top of all this, hormones are constantly changing to adapt to the new situation. Does that mean you can't have sex? Not at all; in fact, it has many advantages.

Whether you're alone or with company, Maintaining sexual activity is very positive during pregnancy For several reasons. Let's look at some of them:

• Blood levels in the sexual organs increase, so you can feel greater pleasure and reach orgasm more easily.
• The orgasm lowers blood pressure .
• Experiencing pleasure lowers stress levels. improving well-being and relaxation.
• This relaxation helps to fall asleep .
• If you decide to have sex as a couple, it can help you rediscover your connection and discover a new sexuality .

In addition to these reasons, sex and masturbation during pregnancy are very beneficial because oxytocin is released . You've probably heard about this hormone on several occasions because, indeed, it's the one you'll need to give birth.

“In addition to these reasons, sex and masturbation during pregnancy are very beneficial because oxytocin is released . You've probably heard about this hormone several times because, indeed, it's the one you'll need to give birth.”

If everything is progressing normally during pregnancy, the oxytocin released during sex is not dangerous; in fact, it will be very beneficial.

During orgasm, oxytocin increases blood flow to the sexual organs and causes uterine contractions. But no, despite this being one of the most widespread pregnancy myths, The contractions produced by sex will not induce labor . What you will achieve is exercising your pelvic floor, relieving the discomfort in the pelvis that you may feel due to the blood pressure that accumulates in that area, and getting used to secreting dopamine, a hormone that reduces the sensation of pain.

However, it's important to remember that every woman experiences pregnancy differently, and not only that, but also that in the same woman, the first pregnancy can be completely different from the second or third. So, although there are no contraindications to sex or masturbation, You might not feel like it, and that's just as fine as feeling like it every day. .

"..." "Contractions caused by sex won't induce labor."

We would love to be able to give you a week-by-week guide that tells you exactly what will happen with your sexuality, but the reality is that every woman is different, and as we've seen, even each pregnancy in the same woman can be completely different.

Throughout the entire process, you'll experience the rise and fall of hormones, which may influence your interest in masturbation. This is compounded by bodily changes that can affect your comfort and even your perception of your body. Some women feel beautiful and this increases their desire for masturbation and sex during pregnancy, while others find it harder to adjust to their new bodies, so sexual activity isn't on their agenda. Remember: everything's fine .

We're going to try to establish a small guide by quarter so you know more or less what you can expect in each one.

↪First quarter (week 0 to 13)

The strongest hormonal changes occur at the beginning of pregnancy, and this can cause several things:

• That you feel fatigued throughout the day and at night you fall completely asleep on the sofa.
• Breasts sensible . It's a feeling similar to what you have when you're about to have your period, but in this case, it doesn't go away in a few days, but rather lasts practically throughout the first trimester.
• Increased urge to urinate .
• Nausea or a lack of appetite when eating or when seeing/smelling/thinking about certain foods.

These symptoms can lead to a decrease in your sex drive and a lack of desire for masturbation during pregnancy. On the other hand, breasts tend to become rounder during this trimester, so you might also feel more attractive. It's not all bad!

If you want to encourage sex during these weeks, try to do it when you feel well and energetic so you can enjoy it to the fullest. In any case, sex isn't just about penetration, so if you don't feel like it, you can try:

• Masturbating alone.
• Masturbating each other.
• Hug each other.
• Give yourselves a massage.
• Kisses.
• Perform oral sex.

↪Second quarter (weeks 14 to 26)

The second trimester is when things start to fall into place. Your bump appears, but it's not too big yet, so it's easy to manage.All the symptoms of the first trimester, such as nausea or extreme fatigue, also decrease.

In this quarter You may find yourself wanting to masturbate or having sex more frequently from what you had before you got pregnant. It's normal, as your body seeks to experiment with oxytocin and dopamine.

During these weeks you can experiment with new positions that will make you feel more comfortable with your new body.

↪Third quarter (from week 27 to the end)

We've reached the final stage of pregnancy, and you may experience discomfort and a decreased sex drive as your belly grows heavier. Other possible symptoms include:

• Light bleeding.
• Dripping on the breasts when touched.
• Hip pain.
• Leg cramps.
• Difficulty sleeping.

The so-called "nesting syndrome" can also lead you to be more focused on having everything ready for the arrival of the baby than on your own sexual satisfaction, so it's not that you don't want to, it's that you even forget that part of your femininity.

The reality is that, if everything is going as it should and your doctor or midwife doesn't tell you otherwise, You can practice both partnered sex and masturbation during pregnancy, right before your baby is born. . In fact, there are studies Some studies recommend masturbation during childbirth to manage pain through the release of oxytocin. According to these studies, natural oxytocin facilitates dilation, reduces pain, regulates labor, and even promotes breastfeeding. However, while all of this seems positive, the first step is for you to want to try this technique during labor.

As we've already seen, some women don't experience any sexual desire at any point during their pregnancy. So if you notice that sex and masturbation take a backseat, don't worry, it's normal.