Position for sex while pregnant

Finding a comfortable position for sex whilst you have a ever expanding waist line can be difficult here we have tried to suggest some ways that you might find more comfortable, if not you will have fun trying them!
Most people tend to prefer the missionary position for sex during pregnancy, however it becomes a very difficult manoeuvre to perform as your belly grows. So try some of these positions:

Woman on top. This allows you to control the depth of penetration, and the majority of the movement. You can go as fast or as slow as you'd like, while controlling the depth of the penis. This position works really well throughout pregnancy and at the very end of pregnancy.

Spooning. This position gets it's name from the way spoons fit together in the drawer. Usually it's best if the man is behind allowing his penis to go between your thighs and enter you from behind. This creates no pressure on the abdomen, and allows for a shallow penetration. Many women find this a very relaxing position for sex during pregnancy, and it can be used throughout.

Hands & Knees. This is a very good position for pregnant women again because of the lack of direct pressure on the abdomen, although as your get larger your belly may actually rest on the bed. Some women find this difficult at the very end of pregnancy, depending on how high they are able to hold their belly off the bed and still allow for penetration.

Lying on your side., Lay on your side with your partner facing you, try pulling one leg up to allow room for your partner. This can get tiring after a while, and may not be easy for the last part of pregnancy.
All of the above mentioned positions also allow for manual stimulation of the clitoris either by you or your partner. . They also prevent the mother from laying on her back, which is not recommended after the fourth month of pregnancy. When you're trying to think of a good position, try it, if it doesn't work stop. Creativity will be a lot of fun during pregnancy.

3 FAQ about sex during pregnancy

Can having sex harm my baby? the simple answer is No, not directly. The baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the foetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. Inside you if you want the gory details there is a thick mucus plug that seals the entrance to the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis does not come into contact with the foetus in any way during sex. Some times your doctor or mid wife will suggest that you avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy and often in the last few weeks, this is usually due to a complication or in the last few weeks it is to avoid premature labour. If you are concerned ask your midwife to make sure there are no contra indications for your pregnancy.

Can having intercourse or orgasms cause miscarriage or contractions? In most cases normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions associated with labour. However, it is better to check with your health care provider to make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category. It is common for doctors to recommend that all women stop having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy, because semen contains a chemical that may actually stimulate contractions.

Is it normal for my sex drive to be none existent during pregnancy? It is really good to be aware that you and your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase and or decrease as the pregnancy progresses. Some people feel even closer to their partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies others don‘t. Some men experience decreased desire because of fears about the burdens of parenthood, or concerns about the well being of both the mother and their unborn child. In some cases it is also difficult for some men to reconciling there partners identity as a sexual being with their new emerging identity as an expectant mother, others love their partners being pregnant and can’t get enough of them remember that talking with your partner is so important try to explain your fears. If you have any concerns about your sex drive or your partners talk them over with a health care professional.

Warning: You should contact a doctor immediately if you notice unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding common but must be checked, or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex. If your doctor, nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider finds or anticipates complications with your pregnancy they are likely to advise against sexual intercourse for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Try to remember all people are different, and what ever happens during pregnancy most people do get their sex drives back to normal within a few months after the bouncing baby is born.

Sex - during pregnancy

Sex is considered safe during all stages of the pregnancy provided that you are not in a high risk group, ask a medical professional for advice if you fall into this category or are worried. Of course, just because sex is safe during most pregnancy doesn't mean that your partner or you will necessarily want have it!. Many expectant mothers find that their desire for sex fluctuates during certain stages in the pregnancy. Also, many women find that sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger.

You need to communicate with your partner about your sexual relationship and try to understand that it is hard for a man to deal with the changes in you realationship. It may help to talk about other ways to satisfy both your needs for intimacy, such as kissing, caressing, and holding each other etc.

You also may need to experiment with other positions for sex to find those that are the most comfortable. Many women find that they lose their desire and motivation for sex late in the pregnancy - not only because of their size but also because they're preoccupied with the impending delivery and the excitement of becoming a new parent.

Things to avoid whilst pregnant

Life has become one long list of things to avoid, every day we are bombarded with endless studies saying this is good for you, this is bad for you, it ends up feeling like we would be better off just not eat at all, we hate it. However that said during pregnancy there are certain things that you are advised to avoid, we know its hard, but bear in mind it is only 9 months then you can do as you please and a few sacrifices are worth making if you can have a healthy baby! We are not saying you are the devil incarnate if you have a glass of wine or a fag or a nice piece of brie we are just telling you what the advice says the reasons behind it and then armed with that information you can make your own decisions.

1. Alcohol, the latest government advice on alcohol is that it should be avoided completely. The reason for avoiding alcohol is that it is easily passed along to the baby, who is less equipped to eliminate alcohol than the mother. That means an unborn baby tends to develop a high concentration of alcohol, which stays in the baby's system for longer periods than it would in the mother's. And moderate alcohol intake, as well as periodic binge drinking, can damage a baby's developing nervous system.
2. Recreational Drugs, pregnant women who use drugs may be placing their unborn babies at risk for premature birth, poor growth, birth defects, and behaviour and learning problems. The other risk is that your baby could also be born addicted to drugs your take themselves. Being pregnant may help to give you the incentive to come off drugs if it does you don't have to do it alone there is lots of help and support out there go to your G.P. or your midwife and ask for help. But remember if you've used any drugs at any time during your pregnancy, it's important to inform your doctor. Even if you've successfully quit, the baby still needs closer monitoring.
   
3. Nicotine, its a fact if you smoke so is you baby you wouldn't light a cigarette, put it in your baby's mouth, and encourage your little one to puff away but that is what you are doing. The smoking mother passes nicotine and carbon monoxide to her growing baby.
   The risks of smoking to the foetus include:
   - stillbirth
   - prematurity
   - low birth weight
   - asthma and other respiratory problems
   So if you smoke, having a baby may be the motivation you need to quit. Talk to your G.P. about the many options for stopping your smoking.
4. Caffeine
   It is suggested that high levels of caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, so it's probably wise to limit or avoid caffeine altogether if you can. There are many alternatives which are caffeine free but boiled water served hot in a mug is a great alternative (sounds boring but it’s so good for you and you get used to it really quickly)
5. Foods - It is recommended that pregnant woman avoid
   soft, unpasteurized cheeses such as feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
   unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
   raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs, including mousse, tiramisu, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, and Caesar dressing
   raw or undercooked meats, fish (sushi), or shellfish
   
6. Cat's Litter tray
   Pregnancy is the prime time to get out of cleaning the cats litter tray. This is due to an infection called toxoplasmosis that can be spread through soiled cat litter trays and can cause serious problems, including prematurity, poor growth, and severe eye and brain damage. A pregnant woman who becomes infected often has no symptoms but can still pass the infection on to her developing baby.
   
7. Medications
   It is imperative that when you become pregnant that you read the label of any medication that you take even common over-the-counter medications that are generally safe may be considered off-limits during pregnancy because of their potential effects on the baby. And certain prescription medications may also cause harm to the developing foetus.
   To make sure you don't take anything that could be harmful to your baby:
   Ask your chemist which over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy (there are not many).
   Talk to your G.P. about any prescription drugs you're taking or if you feel you desperately need an over the counter medication.
   Discuss any questions about natural remedies, supplements, and vitamins before using them.

There you go as promised a list of some of the things to avoid during pregnancy now the choice is yours!

Sleep can be illusive when you are pregnant

It is really important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy, easier said than done, some lucky women have no problem in fact it is often all that they want to do, but for many sleep is elusive for one reason or another.

Ironically sleep is more essential than it has ever been as your body is working very hard to accommodate a new life. The problem usually gets worse as your baby gets bigger, it will be harder to find a comfortable position when you're trying to sleep.

You could try:

Sleeping positions Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It also makes your heart's job easier because it keeps the baby's weight from applying pressure to the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart and your feet and legs. Lying on your side can also help prevent or reduce varicose veins, constipation, haemorrhoid's, and swelling in your legs. Your doctor may specifically recommend that you sleep on the left side. Because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Lying on your left side also optimizes blood flow to the placenta and, therefore, your baby., it is best to ask what they recommend. In most cases, lying on either side should help take some pressure off your back.

It may help to place a pillow between your legs, behind your back, and underneath your belly, it’s a case of trying it to see which way suits you best.

Some women find that they have to move into the spare bed no not to get away from the advances of their partners but so that they have enough room for all the pillows they need to get some comfort.