sexual knowledge

Although the main goal of sexual life among representatives of the human race is the birth of children, this does not mean at all that during the period of pregnancy, sexual life should completely stop, and all sexual desires of a woman fall off by themselves. A pregnant woman may well feel the desire to experience sexual pleasure and orgasm - from sex with a loved one or from masturbation.

However, it is quite logical to ask questions about the safety of this process during pregnancy, because when you make love or masturbate, you directly affect your genitals, plus you have probably heard that a large amount of hormones (oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin) are released during orgasm - Will these hormones affect pregnancy and labor?

These questions are answered for the Healthline project by Dr. Caroline Kay, MD, MD, OB/GYN, Reproductive Health and Family Planning Specialist.

Is using a vibrator during pregnancy safe?

Short answer: in most cases, yes. If a low-risk pregnancy (that is, the doctor, taking a history, examining you and collecting tests, did not find any tendencies for premature birth and miscarriage, plus you are pregnant with one child, not several), then any sexual activity throughout the pregnancy with the exception of the third trimester is absolutely safe.

Why the last trimester is not so safe, and often doctors are asked to stop sexual activity for this period: This is mainly due to the fact that penetration (especially the penetration of a "live" penis and semen, because semen contains certain substances that soften the cervix) can stimulate preterm labor by affecting the cervix.

However, the third trimester is usually associated with such physical inconveniences (overgrown belly, swollen breasts, swollen legs, often the inability to sleep normally due to changes in the body, a nervous state due to upcoming changes in life), that usually girls are no longer up to sex at all. and not to masturbation during this period.

What can a doctor ask you?

He can ask either for no penetration (then you can use the vibrator on the clitoris without penetrating inside), or for the cessation of any sexual activity altogether. This point needs to be clarified.           

Do not be shy: your doctor is leading your pregnancy, believe me, he is tormented by vague doubts that you are still having sex in your life.

Why might a doctor ask you to stop masturbating during pregnancy?

As a rule, this is due to the characteristics of your cervix and the history of previous pregnancies, if any. The reasons are as follows:

Shortened cervix (shorter than twenty-two millimeters);

Weakened cervix (for example, due to a previous birth that damaged your genitals);

Placenta previa. This is when the placenta overlaps the cervix.

Vascular presentation. This is when the vessels of the placenta pass too close to the cervix.

The doctor considered that your body is at risk of premature birth or miscarriage, especially if this has happened before.

Multiple pregnancy is a risk factor.

Premature opening of the cervix.

Blood or any other strange fluids are leaking from your vagina, or you experience strange spasms.

Rupture of fetal membranes.

In other cases, any sexual activity during pregnancy is absolutely safe. Although, of course, you will have to take into account some nuances, just to make sex or masturbation more comfortable.

What you need to know about using a vibrator during pregnancy?

The basic rule here is that everything that touches your genitals must be clean.

This rule always works, but especially during pregnancy, because, as you understand, an organism that simultaneously carries a child and is infected with a sexual infection is a very, very, very bad combination that directly affects the child.

From a sex toy, you can get a sexual infection if you use it with a partner. But even if only you use it, dust particles may remain on the toy that will get inside, into the humid and warm environment of your vagina, and there they will develop beautifully and will negatively affect your body.

Therefore, be sure to wash toys after each use, if they can be washed. The easiest and most effective way to protect yourself from infections using sex toys is to put a condom on them.

Also keep in mind that during pregnancy, your sexuality can change significantly, as the hormonal background changes, plus you feel your own body in a completely different way.

You may have different sexual preferences, decrease or increase libido (often women notice a sharp increase in libido in the second trimester). Also, you may have vaginal dryness, this also happens. In this case, you can use artificial lubricant.

After an orgasm (whether from hand masturbation, from sexual interaction with a partner, or from a vibrator), you can feel cramps in the uterus and mistake them for labor pains. Most likely they are not.

Such spasms always occur in the uterus when you finish, it's just that during pregnancy you begin to feel it much more acutely. However, just in case, tell the doctor about them so that he checks everything. Well, you never know.

And the last important point: after the fourth month, it is advisable not to masturbate and not make love while lying on your back, because the stomach has already increased enough after the fourth month to put pressure on important blood vessels in this position and cause significant discomfort.

Will masturbation affect the child in any way?

No. The child will not even feel anything and certainly will not understand anything. It is protected by an amniotic sac and a mucus plug that prevents anything from entering the baby's habitat.

Are there any benefits to masturbation during pregnancy?

There is!

First, scientists have proven that uterine contractions have a calming effect on the child.

Secondly, masturbation is a great way to relieve psychological stress. Due to the changed hormonal background, the psychological satisfaction from orgasm will most likely be felt much more acutely, because you already have high levels of oxytocin, and here they will add it.

Thirdly, masturbation helps relieve pain due to just the same surge of pleasure hormones. So if something hurts you... Take matters into your own hands. Or use the right tools. If you understand…

Fourth, masturbation is a great way to get to know your body better during pregnancy because many women experience all kinds of worries about their bodily, physical changes.

And fifthly, many women note that during pregnancy they become more sensitive, and it is easier to achieve orgasm. This is due to the fact that the blood supplies the genitals very well during this period, and here you are also stimulating this supply. Naturally, orgasm is easier to achieve, and orgasm can be even brighter.

When exactly is it not possible?

If the doctor told you about it;

In the last trimester, when childbirth is about to occur, it is undesirable;

When the waters broke;

If there is any strange discharge coming from the vagina, blood, or you experience strange spasms.