How Pregnancy Sex Affects Your Postpartum Recovery

Pregnancy sex has long lost its days of being taboo. When my sister was pregnant with my niece, I remember my mom and aunts talking about how pregnancy sex was not something widely discussed during their pregnant days. Though it may have been previously frowned upon, pregnancy sex is very much accepted and encouraged for parents now because of the benefits that come along with it. My sister even revealed to my mom and aunts how having pregnancy sex affects your postpartum recovery. I know — anything to help you feel like a human again.

According to Fit Pregnancy, many women don't want to have pregnancy sex because they are hormonal, bloated, tired, and nauseous more often than not. However, What To Expect noted that having pregnancy sex can help with your afterbirth recovery. Having orgasms during your pregnancy helps prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth and can in turn speed up the postpartum recovery, according to the aforementioned What To Expect article.

If you're wondering how having a strong pelvic floor can speed up the postpartum recovery, you're not the only one. Baby Center noted that having a strong pelvic floor is important, because if it is over-stretched or weakened, it may be difficult for you to control your bladder after birth. This means leaking could occur when you sneeze, cough, laugh or exercise — not ideal. Although this is very common, if you have a strong pelvic floor, you'll have a better chance at holding your bladder, bowels, and uterus in place. Having a weakened pelvic floor can result in future issues such as prolapse, as also noted in the aforementioned Baby Center article.

So, while you may not be up to having pregnancy sex, you may want to give it some thought to help with your postpartum recovery. Not only will it help give your pelvic floor muscles some stability, but What To Expect noted that it will also reduce your pain while pregnant and take your mind off some of your pregnancy woes.