Gone are the days of whispered conversations regarding sex. As sex-positivity continues to become a staple in every mom's parenting arsenal, how we talk about sex, or even think about sex, is evolving. Honestly, this happens way before a potential baby is even born, and there are things every gown-ass woman knows about pregnancy sex that are going to ensure that not only will she be having sex when she's pregnant (if she wants, of course) but that she won't be even remotely weird or odd or "gross" about it.
Pregnancy alters a woman's body, impacts her emotions, and can change the sex she may or may not be having. Whether she has a partner or not, how a woman has sex can be modified by a growing pregnant belly, an evolving romantic relationship (or lack thereof), and relentless hormones that either increase or decrease sex drive. And while there are so many things you learn about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and parenthood as you go through them, there are certain things about pregnancy sex that every grown-ass woman just knows. Sure, those nuggets of knowledge might be picked up as she goes through her respective trimesters and, sure, Google is a great source of information (sometimes so, you know, internet surf at your own discretion), but there is something innate about every grown-ass woman that makes certain aspects of pregnancy sex nothing more than common sense.
It may be notoriously "made fun of" and even described as "gross," by those who don't value or appreciate a life-giving body that also likes to get some, but pregnancy sex is normal, natural, and experienced differently by every pregnant woman. Which is why every grown-ass woman knows these 10 things about pregnancy sex. Because hey, we're all adults here, right?
It's Safe (Sometimes)
Sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe, unless you have a pregnancy complication and/or you're worried about kick-starting premature labor. While there are a small number of reasons why you shouldn't have sex when you're pregnant (a low-lying placenta, heavy bleeding, an infection, etc.) for the most part, you're good to go. No, your partner will not "crush the baby."
It's Physically, Mentally, And Emotionally Beneficial
In fact, there are numerous benefits to having sex while you're pregnant. Thanks to pregnancy hormones, physical changes, and common anxieties associated with the very real life change that is parenthood, pregnancy can be daunting, draining, and debilitating. Sex, however, can alleviate many uncomfortable symptoms, physical or otherwise. Sex during pregnancy can make labor and delivery easier, prevent potential complications, lower your blood pressure, and reduce stress.
It Doesn't Matter How You Look, Just How You Feel...
Pregnancy changes your body in a number of ways and to the point that many women don't feel comfortable — or recognizable — in their new form. I mean, let's face it: a pregnant body can take a while to get used to, and while many women love being pregnant and feel completely in tune with their bodies, others do not. As always, pregnancy affects every woman differently. So, if you're one of the women (like me) who didn't feel comfortable in their pregnant body, just remember: when it comes to sex (or anything else, really) it doesn't matter how you look. It truly doesn't. And I can guarantee you, even if you don't feel completely sexy and confident, your partner thinks you're radiant.
...But Hey, You Look Hot
With that said, pregnant women: you're beautiful. Seriously. I know people telling you that doesn't change your very valid feelings (and can sometimes be downright annoying) but you are.
You Don't Have To If You Don't Want To
Many women, thanks to an increase in hormones, experience an increase in sex drive during pregnancy. Others, however, do not. If you're one of the pregnant women who don't feel sexual during your 40+ weeks of baby growing, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, or you. You don't have to have sex if you don't want to; not with your partner, not with yourself, not with anyone. Ever. Honestly, pregnancy is uncomfortable enough (at times), so don't put yourself in a situation that is just going to exacerbate your discomfort.
There's No Right Or Wrong Way To Do It
Pregnancy sex looks different to different people and there's without a doubt no "right" or "wrong" way to have sex (pregnant, or otherwise). It's all about what is most comfortable for you and your partner. It never hurts to consult a doctor, to make sure that any potential positions you may wind up trying are safe, but for the most part (unless you are experiencing pregnancy complications) the sky is the limit and you can try multiple positions and angels and places, to figure out what works best for your pregnant body.
Communication Is Going To Be A Big Deal
Because you're body has changed and is continuing to change, sex you may have enjoyed before, might not do it for you now. Communicating with your partner to ensure that you feel safe, comfortable, and, well, pleasured, is going to be key. And let's face it, if your partner is going to be raising your baby with you, talking about sex should be easy.
It's A Great Way To Connect With Your Partner...
Pregnancy sex is a great way to intensify the intimacy you share with your partner. If it's your first pregnancy, the sex you have prior to your baby being born will be the last sex you have without sleep schedules, baby interruptions and the very real choice between orgasms and much-needed rest. When you're going from a two person family to a three person family, changes are as palpable as they are necessary. Pregnancy sex is a great way to connect with your partner, enjoy one another and focus solely on your partner, before a tiny human being takes the majority of your attention.
...But It's Also All About Getting Off
Having said that: oh god woman, get off. Connection and intimacy and passion are all great, but sometimes you just need to get on, get off and get out, and there is nothing wrong with that. We've already covered the physical, mental and emotional benefits to pregnancy sex, and having regular orgasms can decrease stress, the potential of depression, fight off infections like the common cold, increase feelings of euphoria and actually prevent breast cancer cells.
You Don't Need A Partner
Every grown-ass woman (pregnant or otherwise) knows that she doesn't need a partner to have sex. So whether your partner isn't available, isn't in the mood, or you don't have a partner; you can have wonderful pregnancy sex with yourself, and the benefits you'd experience with someone else are benefits you can experience all on your own.
