There are a lot of great things that come with being a mother-to-be. But with the frequent vomiting and pee breaks, the constant sweating, and every turn seeming like a three-day venture, feeling good is definitely not one of them.
Even worse – pregnancy makes it seem as though your favorite things – like that glass of wine, that would’ve otherwise helped to take the edge off, is off limits. So it’s perfectly natural to feel a certain amount of reprieve while navigating through this important phase in your life. And that is why, ladies, you should be so thankful for the fact that orgasms are still very much on the table.
But as tempting as it may seem to experience these throes of repeated “yes”es, it is bound to raise a few questions in your head. Here are the answers.
Is It Safe To Orgasm During Pregnancy?
For most women having a normal, healthy pregnancy, having sex and having orgasms (through sex or self-stimulation) are both safe right until their water breaks or when their labor starts.
However, there are some cases where both sex and orgasms during pregnancy can be risky. For instance, if your doctor tells you that you’re at a risk of heavy bleeding, preterm labor or pregnancy failure, both are best avoided. Other risk factors include having a miscarriage previously or even having a history of threatened miscarriage. It is also important to remember that engaging in intercourse or inserting a sex toy into your vagina once your water breaks is also a no-no, as this could lead to infection.
We recommend consulting your doctor or your midwife to know if there’s something you should be concerned about.
Can Orgasms Trigger Uterine Contractions?
Orgasms do trigger uterine contractions. Each time your body is stimulated, oxytocin levels in your body increase rapidly with a tremendous burst when you finally reach an orgasm.1 It is this release of oxytocin that induces contractions in your uterus.
Doesn’t This Increase The Risk Of Preterm Labor?
No, it doesn’t.
It is true that uterine contractions during orgasms are induced by oxytocin, the same hormone that is administered by doctors to trigger uterine contractions during labor. This is why many healthcare professionals in the past were of the opinion that orgasms during pregnancy could induce preterm labor.
However, uterine contractions during orgasms are completely normal and are most certainly not going to trigger labor contractions mid-way. One theory is that when a doctor has you on an intravenous (IV) drip, the amount of oxytocin that is being pumped into your body is huge and is nowhere close to the amount that is released by your body during an orgasm. One may even argue that the more intense the orgasm, the higher the level of oxytocin being released. But no orgasm, no matter how intense, can ever match up to putting out what an entire drip of oxytocin can.
It is also important to note that a drip can actually control the release of oxytocin into your body over a long period of time, unlike an orgasm, where the level reaches its peak after a minute and then gradually dies down. And masturbation doesn’t allow oxytocin to circulate in your body for long enough either.
However, if you’re at a risk of premature birth or placental bleeding, it’s best for you and your baby that you steer clear of both sex and orgasms. Once again, consult with your doctor to see what he recommends.
Why Does A Pregnancy Orgasm Feel More Intense?
In general, women feel more aroused when they’re pregnant than when they’re not.
Pregnancy increases the blood flow to your genitals and pelvic regions, including your uterus. This phenomenon is also called vasocongestion, which occurs during sexual stimulation as well. Because of this, your body becomes more sensitive, and any kind of stimulation, including a mere fantasy, is enough to throw you over the edge, in a good way, of course!
This explains why your orgasms may feel a lot more intense when you’re pregnant. Once again, this is completely normal and there’s nothing to be worried about. So sit back and enjoy the pleasure!
Will Intense Orgasms Hurt My Baby?
No, they won’t.
Your fetus is safely snuggled up in an amniotic sac that is full of a fluid to provides enough cushioning against shocks if there are any at all. The strong muscles of your uterus provide further protection to your baby, while the thick plug of mucus that seals your cervix keeps infections at bay.
Furthermore, it is also not possible for either a penis or a sex toy such as a vibrator to go beyond the vagina and hit the uterus directly. So rest assured, your baby is not going to be hurt if you indulge yourself in some pleasure.
However, it is possible that sexual stimulation or activity may cause your baby to move around inside your womb or increase the rate of his heartbeat. If this happens, it’s a good sign because it shows that your baby is alert. There is a theory that suggests that the endorphins triggered by sexual activity, sexual stimulation, or an orgasm can also make the baby feel good. Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence that supports this theory.
Will My Orgasms Ever Get Less Intense?
Yes, they will.
When you reach your third trimester, your uterus may not be able to fully contract during an orgasm because by then, the size of your baby will have grown. So while you may still be very stimulated sexually, you may still be unable to reach a full-fledged climax.
Can Orgasms Cause Bleeding?
Yes, they can, sometimes.
When you’re pregnant, your genital and pelvic regions are already engorged with blood. After you reach an orgasm, the blood flow to these areas further builds up. This may cause your cervix to bleed slightly after sex during pregnancy.
This is completely normal, and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, particularly in your last trimester. However, if you face unusually heavy vaginal bleeding during any stage in your pregnancy, you should visit your doctor right away to see if there’s a problem. This is regardless of whether you’re having sex or not or achieving orgasms or not.
Why Does My Belly Change Shape When I Orgasm?
An orgasm causes the muscles of your uterus and your abdomen to contract. This changes the shape of your belly slightly, leading it to form a pointed or a triangular shape either directly in the middle or slightly off to one side. This is completely normal and not dangerous at all.
However, intensely painful contractions are usually a warning sign. So if you experience these at any given point during your pregnancy, you need to consult with your doctor right away to see if there’s anything you need to be on the lookout for.
Also, Why Does My Belly Get So Hard When I Orgasm?
As mentioned earlier, an orgasm causes muscle contraction in your uterus and abdomen, which can last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour. This makes your muscles, and as a result, your belly go hard. While this may be a little alarming to any mother-to-be, keep in mind that this phenomenon even takes place when you’re not pregnant. It’s just more evident because your belly is extended because of the pregnancy.
Again, if you find yourself experiencing unbearably painful contractions, visit your doctor right away and tell him about what’s going on.
Will There Be Cramping After I Orgasm?
Yes, you might certainly feel some cramps in your uterus after you reach an orgasm, particularly in the third semester of pregnancy. Once again, this is a result of the uterine muscle contractions. Like the contractions, your body may have experienced these cramps after an orgasm even when weren’t pregnant; you just weren’t sensitive enough to feel them then. Now that you’re pregnant, you may feel like you’re getting mild menstrual cramps.
Keep in mind though that every woman’s body is different, and the intensity of the cramps may not only vary from woman to woman, but also from orgasm to orgasm. Trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or lying down quietly for a few minutes may help your cramps subside.
However, if your cramps last longer than an hour or are unbearably painful, take it as a warning sign and visit your doctor immediately.
Are There Any Positions That I Should Avoid?
We have already established that having sex and achieving orgasms are both safe during pregnancy unless your doctor advises you against it. However, you still need to exercise a certain amount of care, especially in the first 14 weeks of your pregnancy when your baby’s critical organs are developing.
So if you’re planning on indulging in any form of sexual stimulation or intercourse, be aware of the fact that certain positions may be harmful or uncomfortable for both you and your baby. For instance, positions like missionary that require your partner to be on top can be fairly agonizing, not only because of your baby bump but also because your breasts will be super tender. Engaging in positions that allow for deep penetration may also be difficult for you. If you’re in your later stages, lying flat on your back is not recommended, either.
Instead, try lying on your side while having intercourse or masturbating. If you’re engaging in the former activity, you may either face your partner or have him enter you from behind while you’re lying on your side.
To be on the safer side, consult with your doctor or your midwife about what positions to try. This way, you can be sure that your baby is going to be absolutely safe.
Can Pregnancy Affect My Orgasms In The Future?
Although sex after pregnancy usually gets a bad rep, many women find that the changes in their pelvic area caused by pregnancy and labor actually make climaxing a lot easier, permanently.
However, everyone is built differently and matters of the body are never one-size-fits-all. If, in the future, you feel you’re finding it difficult to reach an orgasm, consult a sex expert for help.
References
