Everyday life can be stressful enough, but add being pregnant to the mix and your anxiety about everything can increase. m=Masturbating while pregnant is one way of addressing this. Obstetrician and gynecologist Brittany Noel Robles, says, “Masturbation can help lower feelings of stress or anxiety. Orgasms have even been associated with improving your sleep.” So wash away the worries of the day by giving yourself a relaxing O. It won’t fix everything, but it certainly can help.

Pregnant women often find themselves second-guessing every decision they make, questioning whether or not it is good for their baby, but if you have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, having an orgasm shouldn’t be a concern. “Masturbation during pregnancy is generally safe for most women,” says Robles, but notes that women with prior preterm delivery, a short cervix, premature rupture of membranes, a low lying placenta, or unexplained vaginal bleeding should consult their doctor.

If you’re using fun toys or little novelties, Robles reminds women, “Always make sure that toys are clean to decrease the risk of introducing bacteria near your cervix.”

If you thought a normal orgasm was amazing, your pregnancy climax just might send you over the pleasure edge. The increased amount of blood flowing to your genitals makes the right spots more sensitive.

The research is mixed on whether sexual activity can induce labor, but experts seem to agree that orgasm is OK during a pregnancy without complications. “As of right now, there is no evidence that orgasm increases your risk of preterm labor,” says Robles. “With that said, we do know that nipple or genital stimulation can increase oxytocin levels in a woman, which is the hormone responsible for uterine contractions. The theoretical risk is there, but definitely not proven.”

One hormone that deserves a high-five is oxytocin. It's responsible for putting you in a good mood, and when you have an orgasm, oxytocin has a party in your brain. Oxytocin is also responsible for labor contractions, which is where the notion that sex in the third trimester can lead to preterm labor began. However, if you don’t have any preterm labor risk factors, our experts say it’s just fine to sit back and enjoy that glorious post-O mood.

“Many women pregnant or otherwise are not in a partnered relationship. Those that are may find that their libido and their partner’s do not match,” says Dehn. She says men might be hesitant to have sex with their pregnant partner for many other reasons, including fear of hurting the baby. This means that your only chance for an orgasm is from taking matters into your own hands (literally).

As soon as I became pregnant, I started to feel my identity shift. Taking on a new role as “mom” can bring up a lot of questions and emotions. But letting go and enjoying an orgasm can remind you that you’re more than just someone’s mother — you’re still you, and a sexual being.

As you experience physical changes throughout pregnancy, it's common to start to feel a little disconnected from your body. A 2016 study in the journal Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology found that orgasm in women is associated with better self-esteem. It’s an excellent form of self-care, and you might as well put those nine months of pregnancy hormones to good (and pleasurable) use. And as Dehn says, “Why not start or end your day with a smile?”