If you have recently become pregnant, you are sure to have many questions, including questions about whether it is ok to be intimate during pregnancy. The first thing to know is that it's ok to be intimate while you are pregnant. There is a thick mucus plug that seals the passage to your uterus and guards against infection and the amniotic sac and muscles in the uterus are an added protection for your baby. So, you can have sex during pregnancy safely as long as you are comfortable with the act.

Each woman has a different experience, but some will like inimacy more during pregnancy because of the increase in hormones. Others will find it to not be as satisfying. This happens because there is a natural increase in blood flow to the pelvic area which causes increased sensation. For some this heightens the experience and for others it causes sex to become uncomfortable.

The second trimester is known as the most heightened time to make love. The first trimester is often bombarded with morning sickness and tiredness from the changing hormones and physiological changes in the body. The third trimester is also difficult because of hormonal changes and a larger belly, which often makes sex more uncomfortable. But the second trimester offers increased sensations and since the body has not grown too much yet and morning sickness has passed, this time is great for couples to express their love in a physical way.

Regardless of what trimester, there are certain positions that are more comfortable during pregnancy.

1. Lie side by side. This is also known as the spoons position. This also allows for shallow penetration, which can be much more comfortable during pregnancy.
2. Woman on top. In this position there is no weight on the woman's belly and she can control the depth of penetration, both of which make it much easier to enjoy sex.
3. Sitting position. Using a chair or a bed with the woman on top position also helps with having no weight on the belly and controlling depth.
4. Lie at the edge of the bed. If you are at the edge of the mattress, you can lie on your back and your partner can kneel or stand in front of you.
5. Lie on your side with your knees pulled up. This also makes you more comfortable.
6. The T-Square. The woman lies flat on her back and the man is perpendicular on one side. After the fourth month, the T-Square doesn't work as well, as the woman should not lie on her back anymore.
7. Leap frog - The woman is positioned on all fours and is more comfortable if she rests her arms and head on the mattress to help hold the weight of her stomach.
8. The Perp Search - The woman leans against a wall facing away from the man.
9. Oral sex - This is still safe during pregnancy and a good alternative if actual sex does not feel as good for the woman.

There are body shifts that a woman will make when she is pregnant that may be apparent during or after sex. For example, there may be mild contractions when having an orgasm that can last up to a half-hour after making love. These are false alarms and will not harm the baby. The uterus may also have small spasms during sex. This is also normal. For some women, there also may be some pain or cramping during sex and orgasm. This cramping can also occur right before or after sex. This is normal and is part of the body going through some of its pregnancy changes.

There are a few times where sex is dangerous during pregnancy. Most of these include pre-term labor or vaginal bleeding. There also may be problems with the cervix being to thin or the placenta covering the cervical opening. If one of these occurs, then having sex during pregnancy may cause an infection, bleeding, or contractions. If you have had a miscarriage in the past, or are at risk of having a miscarriage, it is probably better to avoid sex during your pregnancy, however your doctor can inform you if there are any risks. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, doctors usually recommend that women stop having sex because semen has a chemical which could cause contractions. This is essential especially if you are pregnant with more than one child.

Intimacy during pregnancy is safe and pleasurable for both partners. As long as there are no complications with the pregnancy as stated by your doctor, this can be a special time to experiment and try having sex in different ways.

Written Exclusively for A Pregnancy Guide - Copyright APregnancyGuide.com all rights reserved

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