Life

13 Myths About Pregnancy Sex To Ignore When You're Feeling Frisky

by Autumn Jones

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean your libido shuts down for nine months. You're still in the mood for some action — and the wonderful news is, a romp may feel better than ever during this time. If you're nervous sex can have some unwelcome consequences, it's probably due to the myths about pregnancy sex that have seeped into your brain over time. Don't worry, you're not alone. I know that I have heard these myths for years (and even believed some) because people pass around this information without digging for the facts first.

Learning which statements are myths can free you up to enjoy some prime action. There is no reason to fret about that baby bump getting in your way, as long as your doctor has given you the go ahead, your sex life can remain active throughout all three trimesters. And make sure to enjoy those good times while you can, because as soon as you have a newborn, your energy and free time is going to be very limited. In other words, get in all the sex you can before that baby arrives.

If you've been hesitant to give in to your desires, read over these 13 myths about pregnancy sex, and there should be nothing stopping you.

Myth #1: It's Safe For All Pregnant Women

Although most women will be fine having sex throughout their pregnancy, there are a few reasons your name might go on the Hold Off list. As the website for the March of Dimes pointed out, "if you have pregnancy complications now or if you’ve had them in the past, having sex during pregnancy may not be safe."

Myth #2: It Hurts The Baby

Think that little peanut inside your belly will somehow be harmed because you're getting in on? Not so. Pregnancy sex does not hurt the baby, as the website for CBS News reported. That's just a myth.

Myth #3: Sex Can Pass Infection To The Baby

No need to worry about an infection getting into the womb via your vagina, thanks to the hard working mucus plug. According to What To Expect, the mucus plug protects the cervix by blocking anything from passing through. Rest assured that your baby is well protected.

Myth #4: Oral Is Over

Oral sex is still possible when pregnant, you just need to take heed of one very important precaution. If you want to let your partner give you oral sex, make sure your partner avoids blowing air forcefully and directly into your vagina. As Parenting magazine reported, "doing so could cause a life-threatening air bubble in the bloodstream."

Myth #5: Bleeding Means Something's Wrong

It's very common for pregnant women to see a little bit of blood after sex. This is because your cervix is more sensitive than ever before, as The Bump's website pointed out. However, if the bleeding is excessive and doesn't stop, you should call your doctor.

Myth #6: All Positions Are OK

You're going to have to get a little more creative with positions for pregnancy sex. While most of your standard go-to's are safe, Woman's Health magazine pointed out that missionary is out for weeks 15 through 20 due to the risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can happen when lying flat on your back.

Myth #7: You Can't Use Vibrators

Don't buy into this myth about your fave sex toy, because it's a bunch of lies. According to Fit Pregnancy, vibrators are safe to use in pregnancy, as long as you are considered low-risk and healthy.

Myth #8: It Won't Feel Good

As a matter of fact, during pregnancy your body is more prepared than ever to feel good. As Babble pointed out, due to the extra blood supply flowing to your sex organs, pregnancy orgasms are some of the best women report experiencing.

Myth #9: Sex Caues Miscarriage

So far, there is no evidence that having sex while pregnant can lead to a miscarriage, as Baby Center reported. Women who may be seen as high-risk for miscarriage may be asked to abstain for sex, but as long as your pregnancy is developing in a healthy way, there is no connection between the two.

Myth #10: The Baby Can Feel It

Obviously your baby will be there while you're having sex when you're pregnant, but chances are she won't' even notice. As Fit Pregnancy pointed out, the amniotic fluid creates a nice cushion to protect the baby from such things. Also, their brains are not able to know what is happening yet, so you're not doing any psychological damage.

Myth #11: Labor Will Start

Although this point can be argued either way due to certain hormones found in semen, having sex to bring on labor is widely believed to be a myth due to lack of research. As The Bump pointed out, sex may cause some contractions, but it's not enough to bring on full labor.

Myth #12: You Don't Need A Condom

It's true you don't need to worry about protecting yourself from pregnancy (duh), but that doesn't mean you can toss out the condoms. As the website for the March of Dimes suggested, using a condom protects against STDs that could cause problems for your baby during pregnancy and birth.

Myth #13: There's Nothing In It For You

When it comes to pregnancy sex, mama gets all sorts of goodies. Take it from What To Expect's website, which reported that sex during pregnancy lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and makes you happier. Winning.