If you’re sexually active in late pregnancy, your ob-gyn will likely give you the green light, unless you have signs of preterm labour, such as heavy bleeding or placenta previa (where the placenta is very low in your womb and covers all or part of the cervix). In that case, total abstinence might be advised.
1. Take a bath
You may not be able to enjoy a hot tub or jacuzzi this late in the pregnancy, but there’s no reason you should have to stop taking baths. As long as you avoid anything too hot and don’t sit in the tub for too long, you should be fine to continue your normal bathing routine.
Sexual intimacy in the third trimester is perfectly safe as long as you are protected with a condom. Your libido may not be as high, but non-penetrative sex and closeness can still bring you both pleasure, especially if you use vibrators and sex toys with a partner that is comfortable with them.
If you have a vaginal discharge and your water breaks, call your maternity unit or midwife right away. This is a sign that you’re about to go into labor, but don’t panic. You may not need to rush to the hospital, and it’s likely that your doctor will advise you to stay at home and wait for more signs of labor, like contractions.
There’s no evidence that sex will trigger preterm labor at this point, but if your waters break, don’t wait to get checked out. Your OB-GYN will likely want to do a pelvic exam, and you may also be tested for STIs, such as herpes, genital warts or chlamydia. STIs can be dangerous for the baby, and you should take all precautions to protect yourself.
2. Go for a walk
Around this time in late pregnancy, many moms-to-be begin organizing cupboards and scrubbing floors – a phenomenon known as “nesting.” It may be instinctual-baby is getting crowded in there and their arrival is drawing near.
While nesting is a wonderful way to get your home ready for baby’s arrival, don’t overdo it. Your body needs rest, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. Make sure to get enough sleep at night and take a nap during the day when you can. Try to avoid caffeine, which can keep you up at night and interfere with your sleep.
At 37 weeks pregnant, it’s normal to have some cramping or contractions, but they’ll probably go away if you sit or lie down. These are likely Braxton Hicks, and not real labor contractions. If they don’t go away, call your doctor.
You may also start noticing some spotting or vaginal discharge that’s tinged with blood. This is a normal sign of your cervix preparing for labor, and is nothing to worry about. Call your doctor if you notice more than a little blood.
Another normal sign of your cervix getting ready for delivery is gas and bloating. Try eating smaller meals and drinking lots of water to help settle your belly. If these tips don’t work, ask your doctor about taking a probiotic or other digestive aid.
3. Get a massage
Getting a massage can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with pregnancy-related nausea, like morning sickness. In one study, women who received regular massages experienced less morning sickness than those who did not receive a massage.
Although your libido may decrease during this week of pregnancy, sex is still perfectly fine as long as your health care professional gives you the go-ahead. In fact, sex in late pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm delivery between 29 and 36 weeks by triggering orgasms, which in turn increase progesterone levels that help your cervix dilate, according to one recent study.
However, you should never engage in sexual activity if you have vaginal bleeding, which may be a sign of infection or preterm labor. You should also get the go-ahead from your health care provider if you’ve already had your waters break or you’re experiencing real labor contractions.
If you decide to have sex, try staying on top as this position protects your baby bump and lets you control how deep your partner goes. Straddling your partner as you lie on your side is another good option. This position also helps to keep the pressure off of your uterus and your joints. You can also try a pelvic floor massage to help relieve aches and pains. You can also use sex toys to enhance your experience.
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