Breaking news: you can be both horny and pregnant. (And no, you don’t have to feel weird about not knowing that pregnant masturbation is a thing. We just never have the conversation.)
Having an orgasm while pregnant can be a pretty miraculous thing.
We may not need to tell you that pregnancy can cause a libido surge for some people.
(Not for everyone, so don’t stress if this doesn’t apply to you.)
If you are feeling like your sexual appetite is on the rise, it may be due to the increase of estrogen and progesterone.
Or the increased blood flow to your lower half.
Or because you’re just feeling all sorts of feels, and horniness is one of them.
A common time to have a libido spike is towards the end of the first trimester or at the beginning of the second.
But seriously, there’s no right or wrong here.
Pregnancy symptoms (nausea, vomiting, constipation, vaginal dryness—ya know, all the fun stuff) can also leave you feeling like sex is the very last thing you would like to do at this point.
Absolutely fine.
So bottom line: if you’re not into it, skip to the next Peanut posting. If you are, read on.
Are orgasms safe during pregnancy?
Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, having an orgasm during pregnancy should be absolutely fine.
If you’re unsure at all, chat with your healthcare provider.
(And no, there’s absolutely no shame in asking the question.)
A guide to masturbating while pregnant
1. You’re allowed to toy with yourself. Use your dildo or vibrator.
Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, penetration is fine.
(You’ve got that mucus plug there acting as a bouncer for your baby so, in most cases, you’re good to go.)
Just keep everything extra clean to be extra safe.
Rule of thumb? If it vibrates, soap and water.
If it doesn’t, you can boil it in hot water to sterilize it.
2. Sharing toys = added risk of STIs.
Popping a condom on seriously reduces the risk.
3. Follow your own lead.
If anything feels strange, stop.
If it feels good, go.
You know your body. And on that note:
4. Use pregnant masturbation as a means to explore.
Masturbation can be a pretty amazing way to get to know this transforming body of yours. And:
5. It may just help you with those pregnancy symptoms.
For some women, pregnant masturbation can help relieve all sorts of uncomfortable sensations, from aches and pains to swollen feet.
Why not give it a go? 💁
6. It may improve your sleep trouble. 💤
If pregnancy has made it difficult for you to get to sleep at night, a little time with yourself can go a long way.
7. There are some times that pregnant masturbation should be avoided.
- If your water has broken, there might be an increased chance of infection.
- If your doctor is monitoring you for the possibility of preterm birth. In some cases, penetration can cause early labor, so it may be worth staving off if this is a risk for you.
- You have preeclampsia.
- You don’t feel like it.
8. You may feel some cramping after an orgasm.
This is generally normal.
Your cervix is a whole lot more sensitive at the moment.
Add to that the increased blood flow in that general direction and your body may respond with some cramps.
If they are severe, chat to your healthcare provider.
9. You might have some spotting after orgasm.
Because your cervix is going through some changes, light spotting can happen.
If it’s dark red, heavy, or accompanied by pain, check in with your doctor.
10. Normalize the conversation.
Yup, this is our last tip when it comes to pregnant masturbation.
Because it’s seriously about time.
There is absolutely no shame in enjoying your body.
You may find that it’s just what you need.
And if it’s definitely not what you need right now, also totally fine.
You do your pregnancy in the way that works best for you. Enjoy!
More about Sex & Pregnancy:
Can You Have Sex While Pregnant?
A Quick Guide to Oral Sex While Pregnant
13 Pregnancy Sex Tips from Real Mamas
5 Safe & Fun Pregnant Sex Toys
Can You Have Sex While Pregnant?
Can You (and Should You) Orgasm While Pregnant?