Life

vladimirfloyd/Fotolia

Here’s The Deal With Using Food During Pregnancy Sex

by Lindsay E. Mack

For many women, pregnancy is a time of sexual exploration like no other. Testing out new positions, toys, and scenarios can renew your sex life, especially when those hormones come into play. But is it safe to use food during sex when pregnant? You may want to think twice before getting freaky with stuff from the produce aisle.

To learn more about the safety of using foodstuffs for pregnancy sex, I contacted Dr. Maureen Whelihan, a board-certified OB-GYN and speaker at at the Center for Sexual Health & Education. She is also an author of Kiss and Tell: Secrets of Sexual Desire from Women 15 to 96, a book that offers frank perspectives on sex from a woman's point of view. When it comes to all things related to sexuality, Whelihan is an expert.

So, to the question at hand: is it OK to use foodstuffs during pregnancy sex? The answers vary. To start, consider produce such as cucumbers, carrots, or squash — AKA the most phallic things in the grocery store. According to Whelihan, these may be better used in a salad. "Fruits and vegetables are loaded with bacteria and food parts can break off in the vagina as it softens, which can disturb the natural environment of the vagina," Whelihan says. At any time, and especially during pregnancy, women are advised to seek out safer devices such as vibrators or dildos.

What about using whipped cream or chocolate sauce on your body? Whelihan says these foods may cause irritation when used near the vulva. In most cases, however, they can make for a fun, if somewhat messy, experience.

If you're a fan of edible undies, this may be time to break from that particular snack, because the contents may pose an unknown risk. That being said, it's cool if your partner wants to nibble on them. Of course, you can enjoy as many pairs as you like after having the baby.

Overall, there's no reason to let pregnancy slow down your sex life. "Sex in pregnancy can be just as exciting and fulfilling, but requires just a little common sense," Whelihan says. Enjoy intimacy during this unique phase of life.