As soon as you see those two pink lines on your pregnancy test, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re more aware of what you eat, how much sleep you get, and even the air quality in your home. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked when it comes to taking care of yourself during pregnancy: intimacy with your partner.
It may not be talked about as openly as morning sickness or baby showers, but making love every day can actually have some amazing benefits for both you and your growing baby. So let’s dive into why embracing intimacy during pregnancy is a decision worth making.
What is Intimacy During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a special time when you and your partner can enjoy increased intimacy and connection. Making love during pregnancy can have many benefits for both you and your baby.
Intimacy during pregnancy can help to:
- Strengthen the bond between you and your partner
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
- Increase energy levels
- Boost your immune system
Benefits of Making Love During Pregnancy
There are many benefits to making love during pregnancy. For one, it helps to keep the bond between you and your partner strong. It also helps to improve your communication and can be a great way to de-stress.
Additionally, making love during pregnancy can help to boost your energy levels and improve your circulation. It can also help to reduce any anxiety or depression you may be feeling. Also, it’s a great way to get some exercise.
Improved Mood and Health
When you’re pregnant, you may feel like your body is no longer your own. You’re gaining weight, your skin is stretching, and you may be experiencing mood swings and other hormonal changes. It’s important to remember that your partner is still attracted to you and wants to be intimate with you.
In fact, intimacy during pregnancy can have some amazing benefits for both you and your baby.
Here are some of the ways that making love while you’re pregnant can improve your mood and health:
1. It boosts oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone” because it’s released when we hug, kiss, or have sex. Oxytocin has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety, and it can also help to ease labor pains.
2. It helps you sleep better. Pregnancy can cause insomnia, but orgasms release chemicals that can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Plus, the physical exertion of sex can tire you out in a good way!
3. It relieves pain. The endorphins released during orgasm can help to alleviate all sorts of pain, from headaches to cramps to backaches. If you’re dealing with any pregnancy-related aches and pains, try getting busy with your partner!
4. It lowers blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common complication of pregnancy, but having sex can help to lower it.
5. It increases self-esteem. Feeling attractive during pregnancy can be a struggle, but intimacy with your partner can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and remind yourself that you’re still sexy!
Increased Oxytocin Levels
Oxytocin is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone” because it is released when people hug, touch, or sit close to someone else consensually. It is also released during orgasm. Oxytocin has many benefits for both pregnant women and their babies.
For pregnant women, oxytocin can help with bonding with their baby and can reduce stress and anxiety. Oxytocin levels are highest during breastfeeding, which helps mothers bond with their babies and provides pain relief.
Babies benefit from oxytocin exposure in utero as well as after they are born. Babies who are exposed to higher levels of oxytocin in utero tend to be more social and have less fearfulness and stranger anxiety than babies who were not exposed to as much oxytocin.
After birth, oxytocin helps babies bond with their mothers and other caregivers.
Strengthening Bond with Partner
According to research, intimacy during pregnancy is good for both the mother and the baby. It helps to strengthen the bond between the parents and can even improve the health of the baby.
Some of the benefits of intimacy during pregnancy include:
1. It can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
2. It can help to improve sleep quality.
3. It can increase bonding between the parents and child.
4. It can boost the immune system.
5. It can lower blood pressure.
Reduced Stress Levels
When you’re pregnant, you may feel like your to-do list is never-ending. But even though you’re busier than ever, it’s important to find time for intimacy with your partner. Not only is sex good for your health, but studies have shown that it can also reduce stress levels.
So why exactly is sex such a stress reliever? For one, it releases endorphins, which are hormones that boost your mood and make you feel good. It also helps you bond with your partner and promotes relaxation. And let’s not forget the most obvious benefit: orgasms release tension and help you get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re worried about finding the time or energy for sex while you’re pregnant, don’t be. There are plenty of ways to make intimacy work for you and your growing bump. From positions that are comfortable for pregnancy to toys and other forms of stimulation, there are endless possibilities for enjoying yourself and each other during this special time in your life.
Overcoming Challenges to Making Love During Pregnancy
It can be tough to feel sexy when you’re pregnant. Your body is changing in ways that you may not feel comfortable with, and you may be worried about harming your baby. However, there are many benefits to maintaining an intimate relationship with your partner during pregnancy.
Here are some tips for overcoming the challenges of making love during pregnancy:
1. Talk to your partner about your concerns. It’s important to communicate openly with your partner about any worries or concerns you have about sex during pregnancy. They may be feeling just as apprehensive as you are, and talking about it can help put both of your minds at ease.
2. Take things slowly. You don’t have to go full-throttle right away. Start with slow, gentle kisses and caresses, and work your way up from there.
3. Use pillows for support. Pillows can be a pregnant woman’s best friend when it comes to sex. Use them to prop up your head, back, or belly for added comfort and support.
4. Choose positions that are comfortable for you. There are many different sexual positions that can be comfortable and pleasurable for pregnant women. Experiment until you find ones that work well for you and your partner.
5. Be prepared for mood swings and fatigue. Pregnancy can bring on unexpected mood swings and fatigue, so it’s important to be understanding of each other’s needs during this time. If you need a break, take one
Making love during pregnancy can be a wonderful experience if you take the time to communicate with your partner and make sure both of you feel comfortable and safe. With a little bit of patience and understanding, you can have an enjoyable, intimate experience together.
Positions for Comfort and Safety While Making Love
When you think about making love during pregnancy, you might immediately worry about harming the baby. But as long as you’re careful and comfortable, sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy. In fact, it can be good for you and your baby.
Here are some positions that are comfortable and safe for pregnant women:
1. Spooning: This position is great for late pregnancy when your belly is large. You can both lie on your sides, with your partner behind you. This position allows for shallow penetration, so there’s no need to worry about hitting the cervix.
2. Woman on top: This position gives you control over the depth of penetration and helps avoid putting too much pressure on your abdomen. Just be careful not to lean too far forward, as this could put strain on your back.
3. Doggy style: Another position that allows for shallow penetration, doggy style is also great if you want to avoid putting pressure on your abdomen. Just be sure to use a pillow under your stomach for support.
4. Side-by-side: This position is perfect for early pregnancy when you’re not too big yet but still want to take it easy on your abdomen. You can both lie down on your sides facing each other and use pillows to support your heads and necks. From here, you can either penetrate each other with your fingers or use a strap-on dildo.
Conclusion
Making love every day during pregnancy has many benefits, both physically and emotionally. Not only does it help your body to relax and prepare for childbirth, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your partner.
Furthermore, intimacy during pregnancy can be beneficial for your baby in a variety of ways including increasing oxygen flow to them while they are still in the womb. So go ahead and embrace those intimate moments with your partner every day.
