During a normal, complication-free pregnancy, vaginal penetration and intercourse are safe. The baby is well-protected in the uterus and a thick mucus plug covers the cervix, guarding against infection.
It’s not clear why sex feels different at this late stage of pregnancy, but positions like the missionary position may become uncomfortable since it puts pressure on your major blood vessels. Experiment with other sex positions that don’t put pressure on your belly, such as the spooning position.
It’s safe
When you’re pregnant, things that might have been considered safe in the past may no longer be. This is especially true if you’re close to your due date. You’re probably wondering, “Is it safe to have sex at 37 weeks?”
The short answer is yes, sex at this stage of pregnancy is safe and won’t hurt your baby. However, your sex drive may start to decrease, which can be hard for some couples.
In addition, your cervix can start to change during this time. It might become softer and more slippery, which can make sex less pleasurable. It’s also possible that your waters could break, which can be dangerous for you and your baby.
You can continue to enjoy sex by using lubricants and trying different positions. Oral sex might be more comfortable than vaginal sex at this stage of pregnancy. Just be sure to avoid blowing air directly into your vagina, as this can cause a life-threatening air embolism for you and your baby.
You should also use condoms with new partners, as you’re still at risk for STIs. Unprotected sex can lead to serious health complications for you and your baby, including HIV/AIDS. If you’re concerned about your sex life at this point in pregnancy, talk to your midwife or doctor. They’ll help you figure out the best plan for you and your partner.
It won’t hurt your baby
During this stage of pregnancy, it is generally safe for couples to engage in sexual activity. However, it is important to communicate with your partner and try out different positions to find what feels comfortable. Some positions that were safe and comfortable before pregnancy can cause pain or bleeding in late pregnancy. For example, lying flat on the back can put a lot of pressure on major blood vessels and lead to preterm labour. It is also important to use birth control to prevent STIs, as this is a very sensitive time for a woman’s body.
One common concern is that sex will hurt the baby, but it is highly unlikely. The baby is well protected by the muscles of the uterus and amniotic fluid. In addition, most research shows that sex does not trigger labor or ripen the cervix. However, it is important to note that some women may experience orgasms in late pregnancy, which can lead to Braxton Hicks contractions and a change in vaginal lubrication.
Overall, sex at 37 weeks pregnant is safe for most couples and can be a great way to bond with your partner. However, it is always recommended to consult your ob-gyn or midwife if you have any concerns about sexual activity while pregnant. They will be able to provide you with the best advice based on your unique situation.
It’s a great way to bond with your partner
The physical intimacy and emotional connection that you feel from sex can be a great way to bond with your partner. It can also help relieve stress and tension. Plus, sex can help you burn calories (although it’s not your favourite form of exercise!) and increase blood flow to the pelvic muscles, which will prepare your body for labour. In addition, sex may encourage the release of oxytocin, which can help stimulate contractions and speed up labour.
However, it’s important to remember that your libido may decrease as the pregnancy progresses. This is perfectly normal and it’s a good idea to talk about it with your partner so that you both understand what you’re experiencing. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss other ways of maintaining intimacy, such as kissing, cuddling and massage.
Another thing to bear in mind is that sexual positions that felt comfortable and enjoyable prior to pregnancy may become uncomfortable or even unsafe late into the third trimester. This is because the uterus is now much larger and may be putting pressure on major blood vessels. Nevertheless, most sexual positions are safe and it’s worth experimenting to find what works best for you and your partner. Just make sure you try to avoid any position that puts you at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
It’s a great way to relax
Having sex at 37 weeks pregnant is a great way to relax and strengthen your relationship. It can also help you stay physically healthy, as one 30-minute sex romp burns 50 calories and lowers your blood pressure. It may also help you avoid stress and anxiety, as orgasms can trigger the release of endorphins that make you feel good.
It’s normal for a woman’s libido to spike in the second trimester, when pregnancy symptoms like nausea and fatigue usually ease up. This is because the increase in hormones causes an engorged, lubricated vagina, which enhances sensation and increases blood flow to the sexual organs. This also increases the likelihood of orgasms, which are an important part of the pleasure-seeking process during sex.
However, it’s common for a woman’s interest in sex to fade during the last trimester of a pregnancy, as she may be too big, achy, and tired to enjoy it. It’s also a time when she’s often focused on her upcoming birth and post-partum recovery.
Although some people worry that sex can induce labor, research shows that it only works if the conditions for labor are ripe. Sex does encourage contractions by triggering the release of oxytocin, but it’s unlikely to bring on real labor unless your water has broken or you have lost your mucus plug.
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