Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of hormones, emotions and cravings. One minute you might be crying as your partner leaves for work, and next minute you’re yelling at him for forgetting to bring home chocolate (fair call).

There’s no doubt that you’re going through a pretty emotional time, but it’s important to retain the intimacy and love between you and your partner. There’s no reason for your sex life to take a backseat during pregnancy, and despite some myths and misconceptions, it’s totally safe for you and the baby!

Getting started

Your hormones are likely to be all over the place, meaning you might have an insanely high sex drive and plenty of natural lubrication – if so, great! However, it’s totally normal if you’re on the opposite end of the scale and are struggling to get in the mood, or produce enough natural lubrication. The simple solution to this dilemma is to invest in some natural lubricant to get things gliding! Something that can double as a massage oil, for a lovely sensual massage, and as a lube for when things get steamy, is ideal!

Most doctors will recommend a water-based lubricant and advise you to stay away from several key ingredients such as glycerine, paraben, and petroleum, to avoid irritation and possible infection. An organic and natural lubricant such as the Sliquid Organics Oceanics Lubricant is a safe option for all parties.

Get comfy

While you may be a self-proclaimed sex position expert, your body has changed (and is still changing!) which means some positions may be off the table. But don’t let that scare you! Plenty of positions are still adaptable and comfortable for your bump.

Spooning

Spooning is an intimate position that is ideal to accommodate for your growing baby. Simply lie on your side with your legs curled up, while your partner mimics your position and enters from behind. This will help keep the pressure off your belly, and you might even consider propping yourself up with a pillow or two to make things extra comfy!

On the edge

Lay on your back on the edge of your bed, with your feet on the floor, and get your partner to enter by either standing or leaning over you. This position allows for deeper penetration, while ensuring you are comfortable and stabilised.

Not quite getting the right angles? A piece of sex furniture from a brand such as Liberator can help ease any discomfort and allow your partner to enter from multiple angles with ease.

Cowgirl

If you’re feeling particularly uncomfortable, it may be a good idea to take the reins and position yourself on top of your partner. This means that you can control the tempo and try out different angles to find what works best for you. Sometimes actions speak louder than words!

From behind

This position provides great penetration and helps to reduce the pressure on your bladder, which is vital for enjoyable sex. Simply position yourself on all fours, and your partner can enter from behind. This is another position that you can adapt with pillows, or sex furniture, to ensure your comfort at all times.

Non-penetrative

Sometimes you just aren’t feeling up to penetrative sex, but you’re still keen to get a little intimate. That’s totally normal! Oral sex can be just as pleasurable and fun for both counterparts, without comprising your comfort. While oral is totally safe during pregnancy, it’s crucial to note that air should never be blown into the vagina, as this can cause complications. Otherwise, go for it!

You can safely introduce and utilise sex toys during pregnancy (just look for pregnancy-sex approved toys), and a new vibrator may be just what you and your partner need! The LELO range is considered one of the safest sex toy brands, and has a range of toys for couples, or if you’d prefer to go solo. The LELO Ida is one of their best-selling couple’s toys, and is 100% pregnancy-sex approved for some worry-free fun!

Sex is a natural part of life, so it’s only normal to continue it throughout your pregnancy. As long as you and your partner are on the same page and communicate regularly, there’s no reason for your sex life to take a hit.

This article was written by Georgia May, sex toy expert, at Adulttoymegastore.co.nz.