5 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy Orgasms

Pregnancy doesn’t mean your sex life is over… but it might look and feel a little different now. We’re sharing 5 surprising facts about pregnancy orgasms, plus, keep reading for a quick fact check on whether it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy (hint: it usually is) and more info about how your sex drive will act over the next 9 months, too! Let’s get into it. 

Oh, and if you want to try and reach that big O during pregnancy, but you’re just not as comfortable anymore, we’ve got you covered with these 5 Safe & Comfortable Sex Positions For Pregnancy. 

Is it safe to have sex when you’re pregnant?

First things first, is it safe to have sex in all 3 trimesters of pregnancy? Absolutely! If you are having a low-risk pregnancy and are not experiencing complications such as preterm labor or placenta problems, then it is safe to have sex whilst you are pregnant, and having sex or orgasms won’t cause a miscarriage. Your baby is protected by your uterus muscles and amniotic fluid, so having sex cannot hurt your baby. You should avoid sex if you have been told to do so by your doctor or midwife. 

Remember: A partner is not required for an orgasm

Achieving orgasm is the same, whether it involves two individuals or just yourself. Unless instructed otherwise, masturbating is entirely safe during pregnancy, as is the use of sexual aids!

Here are 5 facts about pregnancy orgasms

• Orgasms can be more intense during pregnancy.

  During pregnancy, orgasms may become heightened as the increased blood flow to the genital and pelvic area, including the uterus, leads to heightened sensitivity in the vulva and vagina. Leading to easier and more pleasurable orgasms for some women. 

• Your ‘love hormone’ will skyrocket.

  During pregnancy, your body is already producing more oxytocin that normal (the ‘love hormone’), when you orgasm, you’ll release even more of this hormone and it can feel better than good. 

• In the 3rd trimester, you might have trouble reaching the big O.

  When your baby gets bigger, your uterus can't fully contract during an orgasm. You may be extremely stimulated but unable to have a full-on climax. 

• Your belly might get really hard.

  During an orgasm, your pelvic and abdominal muscles contract. During pregnancy, your uterus is much larger and the skin on your belly is stretched, so you’ll likely notice this sensation more. 

• There’s no link between orgasming and labor.

  No, having sex or orgasms won’t increase your risk of going into labor if you are experiencing a low-risk pregnancy. According to the NHS, having orgasms and sex during the later stages of pregnancy can cause what are known as Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor pains. If this happens, you will feel the muscles of your womb go hard and may experience uncomfortableness, but these false labor pains are normal and aren’t cause for alarm. Braxton Hicks contractions can also be caused by being very active, having a full bladder, and being dehydrated.

Your sex drive during pregnancy

Your hormones will fluctuate during pregnancy and in turn, that means that your sex drive will change as well. You might find that some pregnancy symptoms like back pain decrease your sex drive and it’s totally normal and ok not to want to have sex at any time, including when you’re pregnant. On the other hand, your changing hormones may also increase your sex drive, and that’s ok too! Talk to your partner and figure out what feels right to you; it may be that you want intimacy but not penetrative sex — keep reading for all of the info you’ll need.

Want to know something else about sex during pregnancy? Let us know in the comments.

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