So you’re 33 weeks pregnant! Congratulations! But is it safe to have sex while you’re this far along? Read on to find out.
It is a commonly held misconception that having sex during pregnancy is unsafe. If your pregnancy is free of complications, there is no harm in indulging in sexual intercourse. It offers both physical and mental benefits, which include improving the emotional bonding between you and your partner, relieving stress and anxiety, burning calories, and so on. However, you need to keep in mind that during pregnancy, when you move, your womb, uterine muscles, mucus plug, and amniotic fluid protect your little one.
It is essential to communicate to your partner throughout the process, whether the experience is pleasurable or not. Sex has nothing to do with miscarriage or premature labor, so you can put your worries to rest about enjoying some steamy action with your partner, even when you’re 33 weeks pregnant.
Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy
Let’s take you through some of the benefits of having sex during pregnancy:
- You can get more intense orgasms: Thanks to hormone fluctuations, many women reportedly have stronger orgasms during pregnancy. The second trimester is governed by a boost of blood flow and hormones, which increases the sex drive; consequently, a woman has a more satisfying sexual experience, bringing down her stress levels. The orgasm is followed by the release of chemicals in the brain, which ease pain and increase immunity.
- Sex works as a great workout: Being sexually active burns calories, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Sex will help you fall asleep quicker and induce a sense of relaxation.
- Better labor and recovery time: The contractions during orgasm strengthen your pelvic muscles, helping to ease labor pains and improve bladder control. This, in turn, keeps leakages or urination during pregnancy. Stronger pelvic muscles also help in quicker recovery after delivery.
- Enhanced self-confidence: As a pregnant woman, you might feel differently about your body, thanks to changes in your body and fluctuating hormones. Often women start developing negative feelings about themselves during pregnancy. Having sex will make you feel attractive and heighten your self-esteem.
- Experimenting with different positions: Oral sex and most sexual positions are safe during pregnancy. You can get creative and express your sexual desires in innovative ways. The mantra is to communicate with your partner about any pain or discomfort you might be feeling.
When Is It Not Safe for You To Have Sex?
Your sex drive goes through a gamut of changes during pregnancy. While this is not a grave concern, you should talk about it with your partner. Some women enjoy sex during pregnancy, while others do not feel like having it. The most important thing is to maintain clear communication between the partners.
However, you should avoid sex under the following conditions:
- Unexpected vaginal bleeding
- When you are leaking amniotic fluid
- If you have cervical incompetence (your cervix begins to open prematurely)
- You have placenta pervia (your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening)
- You have a history of preterm labor or premature birth
If you have a normal pregnancy, having sex and orgasms does not increase the risks of going into early labor or having a miscarriage. However, when you are 33 weeks pregnant, an orgasm or just sex can set off mild contractions.
This might lead to the muscles of your womb go hard. Known as Braxton Hicks contractions, these can get uncomfortable. However, they are pretty normal, and you need not get alarmed. You can try some relaxation techniques or lie down calmly until the contractions recede by themselves.
Sex During Third Trimester
Even for couples who find it okay to have sex during pregnancy, any action between the sheets is a strict no-no for them during the third trimester. But again, it’s a myth. When you are 33 weeks pregnant, you are in your third trimester, and it is quite safe to enjoy sex even during this phase, contrary to popular opinion. In fact, most women experience a spike in their sex drive during this trimester.
So, all you need to do is, find a comfortable position and have some fun. If your water has broken, it is unsafe to have sex since your baby is then vulnerable to infections.
Spooning is possibly one of the most low-impact positions that do not put any pressure on your internal organs. No wonder many women claim to have enjoyed sex the most in their third trimester.
It is absolutely normal and healthy activity to indulge in when you are 33 weeks pregnant. You can let yourself loose, talk your partner out of his reservations, and make the most of this time. It will also bring you and your partner closer as you gear up to welcome the new member!
Happy Pregnancy to you!
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