Many pregnant women feel embarrassed whenever they talk about masturbation during pregnancy. Some worry: Is masturbation safe during pregnancy? How about masturbation during early pregnancy? Can masturbation start labor?
But in fact, masturbation during pregnancy can bring many benefits to both mother and fetus. However, pregnant women also need to be careful and note some potential problems when masturbating so as not to adversely affect health.
Masturbation during Pregnancy: Is it okay?
Some women may experience a decrease in sex drive during pregnancy. Meanwhile, there are many pregnant women who feel the need for sex increases significantly because hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are higher than normal during pregnancy.
However, partners may not always be able to meet your needs. On the other hand, some may be afraid to have sex during their pregnancy because they are worried about hurting their partner or baby. So should pregnant women masturbate?
Research shows that pregnant women can still masturbate. masturbation during pregnancy is considered safe because it does not affect the baby and does not put pressure on the body, unless the pregnant mother has a high-risk pregnancy condition like a risk of preterm labor, placenta previa, or active genital herpes.
In addition, many women find that “pregnancy masturbation” is also an effective way to reduce stress during pregnancy.
Some women experience mild cramping after orgasmic sex or masturbation. This sensation is related to the muscles contracting and it can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions, or transient uterine contractions that do not necessarily mean preterm labor because they are low-intensity and readily subside.
What are the benefits of masturbating during pregnancy?
Masturbation during pregnancy can help relieve uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, such as:
- Morning sickness
- Sore feet
- Sciatica
- Hip or pelvic pain
Aside from these, masturbation during pregnancy also brings many other benefits, such as:
1. Masturbation can bring intense pleasure
Is it okay to masturbate during pregnancy? While some couples may not be comfortable having intercourse during pregnancy, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on orgasms all together. Some experts have explained that when a pregnant woman masturbates, the increased blood flow to the genitals and the extra hormones produced in the body can make orgasm during pregnancy more pleasurable than normal.
2. It can boost oxytocin
The hormone oxytocin has the ability to improve mood and psychological health, helping pregnant women overcome the ups and downs that may occur during pregnancy. During climax or an orgasm, higher levels of oxytocin are released which is followed by a feeling of euphoria and relief.
3. Masturbation during pregnancy can help strengthen immunity
Pregnant women have to take extra precautions when it comes to staying healthy. Some women are more susceptible to colds and infections during this time. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying physically active are two ways to keep your immune system strong during pregnancy.
Interestingly, some studies have shown that masturbation can help the body create antibodies and strengthen immunity. So, a little self-love session can definitely do some good.
4. Masturbation during pregnancy helps reduce stress
Some pregnant women experience stress during pregnancy but have not found a way to relax for themselves. Then why not try “self-pleasuring”? This activity will help stabilize your mood because endorphins (or happy hormones) will be produced in abundance.
5. Masturbation during pregnancy can reduce pregnancy-related pain
Some experts believe that self-pleasuring not only unlocks pleasure hormones, it can also help ease pain. In pregnancy, it can help relieve cramping or relax sore or tight muscles elsewhere in the body.
The Health Risks of Frequent Masturbation
What should a pregnant woman keep in mind when masturbating?
Despite its many benefits, you need to avoid masturbation during pregnancy if:
- Your water has broken
- The fetus is low in the uterus
- You are at risk of preterm birth
- You are experiencing bleeding during pregnancy
- Your pregnancy is classified as “high risk”
In addition, pregnant women also need to pay attention to the following factors:
1. When masturbating, be careful with sex toys
Some people use sex toys like vibrator to masturbate during pregnancy. If you want to use this device, you should pay attention to clean it thoroughly before using it to avoid vaginal infections during pregnancy.
2. Know when to stop
Always remember that any time you experience pain or discomfort from masturbating and the pain persists afterward, you should see your doctor immediately.
3. Do not use foreign objects when masturbating
Some people want to have a new experience, so they use foreign objects inserted into the vagina or rectum to masturbate instead of using sex toys. Doing this can be harmful to the body because the genitals are very sensitive.
Objects that are not designed for self-pleasure are at risk of infection, damage to the vaginal wall if they have sharp edges or can even be stuck inside the vagina, causing serious consequences.
4. Don’t masturbate during pregnancy if you’re worried
Going through pregnancy is an exciting, yet often worrying time. Therefore, if you are too anxious about pregnancy, or you’re not completely confident about the safety of masturbation during pregnancy, you should not try to avoid causing additional anxiety.
For any doubts or concerns, please consult a trusted Obstetrician and Gynecologist.
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