Sexy Valentines

GUIDED BY AN EXPERT

By Esther Muthoni – Childbirth Educator

Sex has been said by some to be better than ever during pregnancy due to more sensitivity of the woman’s genital area, leading to multiple orgasms. Well, for a good number of couples that is not the case, making them to postpone to months after delivery.

The stoppers
Your partner may be afraid of having sex for fear of hurting the baby or may have the unfounded feeling that a ‘third party’ is involved, thus avoid having sex with you.

Fatigue, hormonal changes, urinary tract infections, poor self image, sickness, challenges of finding the most comfortable position—among others, may as well make a couple postpone sex to after delivery. There is also, this myth that sex in the third trimester has the baby being born ‘dirty’. This is unfounded and untrue as sex in itself is not dirty. Furthermore, the baby never comes into contact with the semen, as it stays protected in the amniotic sac.

It is important to communicate with your partner so as to get rid of obstacles to quality intimacy, which you deserve. Take doctor’s visits together to get backing for the sex facts you have come across for more peace of mind—an ingredient that is necessary for great intimacy.

Sex Facts

» Sex is good for you A man’s sperm has the prostoglandin hormone which softens the woman’s cervix, and this you will need especially as you get close to delivery.

» To enhance and maintain your self esteem and sense of sexuality, treat and pamper yourself well everyday. Get a manicure, pedicure, visit the park, or any activity that will relax you. Let the house chores be taken up by people around you or hire a house help so that you can put up your feet for rest. It is Important for your emotional and mental health. In this state, you are likely to warm up to intimate ideas.

» If advised by the doctor to stop having sex while pregnant, then it is advisable to do as told. The likely cases can be a dislodging placenta, leaking of amniotic fluid and sexually transmitted infections.

» Climax during sex is different among pregnant mothers. Orgasm may be more intense for some, while for others it may be less satisfying. For some, the case may be as it was before pregnancy.

» Sex can resume six weeks after the baby is born. Well, this is the medical recommendation, but not a rule tor everyone. In between healing the Cs scar or episiotomy and taking care of the baby, sexual passion may be the last priority but that should be only for a while.

» Adopt astute positions when engaging in intimacy. As you are pregnant, avoid any positions that may require you to lie on your back especially in the second and last trimester of pregnancy. This is because lying on your back cuts the supply of blood to the uterus by putting pressure on blood vessels and this may endanger the life of your developing baby.

» Your sex drive may fluctuate. At times, fatigue, aches in pregnancy and hormonal changes may cause you to have a low sex drive. This is temporary. You will be back to your usual self after delivery.

» Sexual satisfaction is not only achieved by penetration. Be creative.

» Good and effective communication is necessary for a successful sexual experience.

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