SEX DURING PREGNANCY

For most women and their partners, pregnancy brings changes in the sexual relationship. You may find that pregnancy complements your sense of sexuality, making you feel more feminine and desirable or, on the other hand, you may feel awkward and unattractive. Many women have less sexual desire during the first three and last three months of pregnancy. Early in the pregnancy you may be plagued by nausea and vomiting, fatigue and tender breasts while later in the pregnancy your protruding abdomen may make intercourse uncomfortable. During the second three months of pregnancy, however, you may feel full of energy and have a renewed interest in lovemaking.

Many women think that they should abstain from sex during pregnancy, but that is not the case at all. That's because neither intercourse nor orgasm pose a threat to a healthy pregnant woman or her baby. The thick mucus plug that seals the cervix helps guard the baby against infection while the baby is well protected by the fluid-filled amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles. In fact, many couples continue their sex life right up to their baby's delivery. With a normal pregnancy, you can keep doing it right up until your water breaks. However you should check with your doctor first if you're having any problems with your pregnancy or you notice any unusual symptoms during or following intercourse, such as pain or discharge or there is abnormal vaginal bleeding or you have a history of miscarriages. Most doctors will advise against intercourse if you have: Threat of miscarriage; an incompetent cervix or a dilated cervix; cramping;
unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge; presence of any sexually transmitted disease. In this case, abstain from   sex until you and your mate have been treated and you are both free of   the disease.

Sex during pregnancy feels great for some women while for some it is not so good. This is because they are just too tired or nauseated to make love, especially in the first trimester. Some women experience cramping during intercourse because the cervix descends lower into the vagina during pregnancy. Due to the increased vascularity of the cervix, some women may also have a small amount of spotting after sex. Some women feel unattractive and because of this their desire for sex wanes while some women feel sexier than ever and for them sex becomes more enjoyable. There is a positive side to sex during pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy, especially progesterone, cause increased vascularity in the vagina and external genitalia. For some, this is a pleasurable sensation and may actually make it easier to achieve orgasm.

Comfortable positions while you are pregnant:
Following are a few time-tested positions for making love during pregnancy.

• Get on top of your partner. This way you will put no pressure on your uterus and will also be able to control penetration.
  
• Have sex in a sitting position by sitting on your husband's lap on his study chair.
  
• Lie sideways.
  
• Try spoon position i.e., lie side by side in a spoon position, which will allow only shallow penetration.
  
• Also try out new positions that will make you comfortable.

Even if you and your partner do not have strong sexual needs throughout the pregnancy, you may have an increased need for physical affection, for gentle touching, cuddling, holding and hugs. You will want to nurture feelings of emotional closeness as well by spending time talking together, sharing feelings, and experiencing the pregnancy together.