Gone are the days when sex was a taboo topic of discussion.  The orgasm has been blogged about and (hopefully) experienced by women everywhere, but a pregnant woman?  So many adults refuse to discuss the sex life of a pregnant woman. You better believe that orgasms are good for a soon-to-be mother.  While pregnant, a woman may give herself regular orgasms or have her partner get the job done – either way, they play an important role in preparing the body for labor. In no way is an orgasm harmful to your baby.  (I had to write it; I know someone would have -probably still will – ask about it.)

Benefits of having an orgasm while expecting:

• Stress relief
• Bonding with one’s own body or the partner in the relationship
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases relaxation, comfort, and hours asleep
• Preparing the pelvic floor for birth and recovery

The Pregnant Woman’s Orgasm

Let’s break down all of the amazing orgasm categories that may occur during pregnancy: Orgasms Through Sex: Through masturbation or sex, an orgasm accomplished while expecting can be beyond toe-curling.  It can be more intense than any previous orgasms you have experienced.  This is because of the increased blood flow in the pelvic region Wet Dreams: These dreams may or may not be about your significant other!  It is very common to have real-feeling sex dreams that bring you to the brink of orgasm. You may even awake wet or with milk leakage from your breasts; either way, you will perhaps consider washing the sheets. Orgasmic Birth : Yes, this is a thing.  Some women claim to orgasm during labor and birth.  It is not that there is no pain, but instead that the pain is harvested and used as a pleasurable feeling.  These feelings escalate until the mother climaxes prior to or as her baby is born. A few couples will include nipple or clitoral stimulation throughout labor. (Again, this is real – and a goal for many women. I guess we shouldn’t knock it until we try it.) It is normal to feel cramping after experiencing an orgasm, as the uterus was being contracted.  The belly may even take on a more pointed shape, again, due to the contracting of the uterus. Let’s make 2018 the year of the pregnant woman’s orgasm. It’s about time soon-to-be moms realized their euphoric possibilities.

Sex Safety for pregnancy per The Mayo Clinic: Exposure to sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. Avoid all forms of sex — vaginal, oral and anal — if your partner has an active or recently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection. Use a condom if:

• You're not in a mutually monogamous relationship
• You choose to have sex with a new partner during pregnancy

Your health care provider might recommend avoiding sex if:

• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• You're leaking amniotic fluid
• Your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence)
• Your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa)
• You have a history of preterm labor or premature birth
• You're carrying multiples

Resources: Birth http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/about/what-is-orgasmic-birth/