At 35 weeks pregnant, your baby is almost ready to meet the world. In most cases, sex is safe to have this week, unless you have had complications in the past or have a risk of preterm labor.
Your sexual desire may change throughout pregnancy. It’s normal, and there are many other ways to be intimate with your partner, like cuddling, kissing and giving massages.
Positions
At this point in the pregnancy, most women find that sexual pleasure increases and they have more energy. This may be the time to experiment with positions that might have been uncomfortable or unsafe during earlier trimesters. However, it is important to communicate with your partner and try to avoid positions that put pressure on the uterus.
Sitting up and straddling your partner can be comfortable for both of you, and this position allows you to take it slow or accelerate as you like. It also helps to prevent any pressure on the tummy and breasts. The missionary position can also be a good choice late in the pregnancy, especially if you use a chair or other prop for support. Your partner can sit in the prone position and give you oral stimulation, or they can stand between your legs (or bend their knees if you are frog-legged) to penetrate you. This position is easy on the back and thighs, and it also works well for manual stimulation to reach orgasms.
Another great position is standing against a wall with your hands or forearms against the wall at shoulder height to help support your upper body. This lets your partner enter you from behind, bypassing the belly and can provide a different sensation than rear entry. It also gives you more control over penetration depth and speed and can increase the intensity of orgasms by applying pressure to the G-spot.
Lubrication
Many women at this stage are thrilled to trade in their carefully timed intercourse for a little bedroom spontaneity. However, not all lubricants are safe for pregnancy—and even some that seem harmless can cause irritation or increase your risk of infection.
Your hormones are changing the pH balance of your vagina, and a lubricant that worked fine for you before could become irritating or cause an infection (like bacterial vaginosis) while you’re pregnant. So it’s best to stick with water-based lubricants that are safe for pregnancy. Chiavaye’s pregnancy lubricant is gentle and non-irritating, made with all-natural ingredients, and contains no glycerin or petroleum (like most water-based lubes). It also doesn’t have any chemicals, additives, or fragrances.
Another option is a natural oil-based lubricant such as Emerita Organic Oil-Based Lubricant. It’s slick, doesn’t contain any glycerin or silicone, and is one of the safest for pregnancy. You can also ask your partner to use a lubricated condom, which can provide extra protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that could threaten both of your health and your chances of getting pregnant in the future.
If you’re looking for something super slick, try Sliquid H2O, an all-time favorite lubricant that is pregnancy-safe and doesn’t have any glycerin or petroleum. This lube is also vegan and hypoallergenic. Another great option is Good Clean Love, a natural lubricant that’s safe for pregnancy and doesn’t have any chemical additives or fragrances.
Orgasms
In late pregnancy, your uterus may expand as the baby grows, causing discomfort or even pain during sex. You might also experience vaginal dryness, which can cause lubrication problems. Some women find that orgasms feel different during pregnancy, as they are less intense and shorter. However, if your health professional has given you the green light to continue sexual activity, orgasms can still be enjoyable. During orgasms, your body releases oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”) and can help you feel closer to your partner.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable during sex, take a break and relax. Try switching positions to see if you can find one that works for both of you. If you’re unsure of what position is safest for you at 35 weeks pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife.
Orgasms can sometimes cause the uterus to lightly contract, similar to Braxton Hicks contractions, but these are not harmful and are normal. In rare cases, this can be a sign of a placenta previa, in which case you should contact your health care provider.
During orgasms, your body also releases progesterone, which keeps the cervix soft and prepares it for labor. Some women find that sex can actually help bring on their labor, as it encourages the release of oxytocin. If you’re concerned about inducing premature contractions, or have a history of preterm labor, your health care professional may recommend abstaining from sexual activity.
Communication
At 35 weeks pregnant, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: excitement for your baby’s arrival, sadness about nearing the end of your pregnancy and nervousness about birth and delivery. Whether your feelings are positive, neutral or negative, be kind to yourself.
It’s also normal for the desire to have sex to change during late pregnancy. Many women experience reduced libido at this stage of the pregnancy, which is often due to common pregnancy gripes such as heartburn and constipation. It may also be a sign that your focus is shifting to other things, such as preparing for the coming birth or breastfeeding.
If you do have sex at this time, it’s important to communicate with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t. Try experimenting with different positions and using extra lubrication to help alleviate discomfort. If you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding, talk to your healthcare provider.
Having sex at 35 weeks pregnant is safe for most women, as long as you use barrier forms of contraception to protect yourself and your baby from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Your healthcare provider can offer recommendations and advice about what position is most comfortable for you. In some cases, however, your healthcare provider may recommend abstinence from sex until after the birth. If this is the case, listen to your provider’s recommendation and follow it closely.
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