Is It OK To Masturbate While Pregnant?

Is it ok to masturbate while pregnant? It seems like many new mamas have this one concern in their minds. Pregnancy is a complicated time. While your hormones are at their utmost top, and you are dying for that one minute of pleasure, the constant fear of hurting your baby is always there at the back of your mind.

So, is it really safe?

Women who have gone through multiple pregnancies can still come up with reasonable answers to this question. But the new mamas are the ones who are generally more scared than concerned.

Masturbation is just another acceptable and common sexual behavior. However, how normal it is during pregnancy is something we look forward to discussing in this article.

So, without any more delay, let us begin.

Is It Ok To Masturbate While Pregnant?

Most medical professionals agree that it is indeed safe to masturbate while pregnant. It also brings in health benefits, like promoting blood flow and lowering stress.

For some pregnant women, nausea, morning sickness, and fatigue eliminate their interest in any sexual activities, even masturbation. However, the others may notice an increase in their sex drive. This happens due to an increase in the estrogen and progesterone levels in their body.

Women generally wonder if masturbating while pregnant is a safer option. The great news is that, in most of the cases, it is just as safe as it can be.

Below, we will be discussing every other question that women look for on the internet about pregnancy and masturbation.

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Is It Really Safe To Masturbate While Pregnant?

A pregnant woman is still a sexual woman. Many women go through an increase in their sex drive, that too in significant amounts. Do not worry; you may blame it all on the hormonal changes!

As your estrogen and progesterone increase, your appetite for sex may just increase too.

However, there is a different side of the story, too. Some women find that they have absolutely zero interest in masturbation or sex. That is understandable, as between all of the other ugly symptoms of pregnancy, sex can be the last thing on your mind. Therefore, showing absolute zero interest is just as normal.

If you are going through increased or normal desires, masturbation or sex should not be an issue in case of a low-risk pregnancy. Your gynae will advise you on if orgasms or penetration could be an issue.

Some women go through mild cramps sensations once they reach an orgasm during masturbation or sex. This happens because of the contracting muscles and may also trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions. It is a kind of unbalanced uterine contraction that eventually lights up and disappears.

However, if you are having a high-risk pregnancy or in a chance for premature delivery, orgasms may just increase the chances of labor. Semen that is ejaculated in the vagina may also cause the cervix to get soft and trigger labor. For women who are not at high risk, orgasms are just fine.

Now that you know that it is quite safe to masturbate during sex, let me help you break some myths that you were fed for years.

Myths On Masturbation During Pregnancy

It is no surprise that society has fed us many myths about our sexuality and pregnancy. If you lack someone to correct those for me, let me do the job here.

Here are some myths about masturbating during pregnancy, which are nothing but baseless information that has nothing to do with reality.

Masturbation Can Harm The Baby

This is one of the most common myths that you are going to come across. Many people believe that self-pleasure during pregnancy can actually harm your baby. However, we did not find any scientific evidence that could support this claim. The baby inside is perfectly protected by the uterus and the amniotic fluid. It makes it pretty unlikely for any such external stimulation to reach or hurt the baby inside.

Masturbation Results In Miscarriage

The fear surrounding miscarriage generally leads to things that may increase the risk of it. However, masturbation during the early weeks of pregnancy does not induce the chances of a miscarriage. Miscarriages generally occur because of chromosomal abnormalities or other health conditions. They do not have any relation to sexual activities.

Masturbation May Induce Labor

This is yet another misconception about masturbation. True that masturbation can induce some amount of contractions, but not strong enough to trigger premature labor. Unless you are going through a high-risk pregnancy, you do not have to worry about masturbation leading to labor.

Masturbation May Cause Birth Defects

This is something way too baseless. Birth defects generally happen because of genetic factors or exposure to toxic substances while pregnant. Just to make things clear, masturbation does not increase the risks of birth defects in any possible way.

Masturbation Damages The Cervix

The cervix is particularly designed to stretch and accommodate multiple activities during pregnancy, including masturbation and even sex. As long as you are comfortable and gentle, there is absolutely no reason for you to be worrying about ruining your cervix.

Benefits Of Masturbating While Pregnant

Well, by now, I have made it pretty clear that it is of no risk to please yourself while pregnant; let us see what benefits it may fetch you.

Reducing Stress

Let us be honest: while pregnancy is beautiful, it is stressful as hell. The constant worry, the hormonal disbalance, the skin issues – all of it can get stressful. Masturbating, in general, helps you release stress. So, you can imagine the effect all those estrogen and endorphins are going to have on your body. These feel-good hormones are the best solutions to reduce your anxiety and improve your mood.

Improved Sleep

Pregnancy interrupts your sleep process because of the hormonal changes and discomfort. Masturbation helps release this tension and promote good sleep by stimulating the release of these hormones that may induce sleep and relaxation.

Increased Flow Of Blood

Masturbation increases the flow of blood in your pelvic area. It is indeed pretty beneficial when you are pregnant. Improved circulation of blood may help reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and promote your overall health.

Uterine Exercise

Orgasms that happen during pregnancy may stimulate contractions in the uterine, which can help keep the uterus well-toned and promote a better flow of blood to the placenta. This may contribute to the brain development of the baby.

Emotional Well Being

Masturbation may be a pleasurable and satisfying experience while pregnant. It helps women feel a connection with their bodies and maintain a good body image. It may also offer a feeling of self-care and empowerment.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Masturbating While Pregnant?

Later on in the process of pregnancy, a woman may go through more Braxton-Hicks contractions after an orgasm. These contractions, though sometimes quite uncomfortable, are nothing something to worry about.

Some women also experience cramps that are very similar to period cramping after orgasms. These are normal.

What Are The Risks?

There are no serious risks associated with masturbation for women who have a low-risk pregnancy. If there are no medical issues or any complications, there is nothing you should be worried about.

If you are at risk of preterm labor, however, penetration, or maybe even an orgasm, may just trigger labor. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to avoid having orgasms or intercourse to lower your chances of a premature delivery.

Masturbation may also cause small cuts in your external or internal genitalia, mainly if a woman has long nails. Skin breakages may cause infection. This may be a bit more serious when you are particularly pregnant.

To reduce this kind of risk, it is important to keep the nails short and ensure that your hands or any sex toys are absolutely clean. Placing a cotton ball on the fingertips of a latex or a nitrile glove and putting it on during masturbation may just provide you with an extra layer of protection.

It is necessary that you recognize the risks of contracting any STIs from sharing your sex toys. Covering the sex toy with a condom will reduce the risks of any infection. Make sure you are changing the condoms between each use of your toy.

When Should You Avoid Masturbating While Pregnant?

While masturbating may be good, for some women, it is not. Women facing complications in their pregnancy may be recommended to avoid orgasms or engage in any sexual activities by their doctors. This also includes masturbation during pregnancy. However, this restriction may just be temporary and not be applicable during the whole pregnancy.

The complications and conditions that might make sex or masturbation harmful include:

• Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix
• Premature rupture of membranes
• A weakened cervix
• Vaginal bleeding
• A history of premature labor
• Intrauterine growth restrictions
• Uterine infections

It is pretty important that you ask your doctor about all these specific risks. They might advise that you avoid orgasms altogether or just not indulge in vaginal penetration, for instance.

Having an orgasm causes the muscles in your uterus to contract. In some situations, this may also trigger early labor, preterm delivery, or other severe complications.

If a doctor advises you against sexual intercourse, masturbation or maybe mutual masturbation with your partner may just be a really good alternative. However, if the doctor suggests that orgasm is off-limits, you need to avoid engaging in any sexual activity whatsoever.

Couples who desire to connect may just consider engaging in sensate focus exercises. The main aim of this kind of exercise is to develop intimacy and increase physical awareness via enhanced communication and mindful touching.

If there is any vaginal bleeding or if the water breaks, refrain from any sexual activity or masturbation and go to the doctor.

Tips For Safe Sex And Masturbation During Pregnancy

Now, you all know when and how masturbation actually affects your pregnancy. There are no more complications left. So, let me just drop in a few tips that you need to keep in mind if you plan to masturbate while pregnant.

Keep It Clean

Make sure that any objects or sex toys you are using for masturbation are properly cleaned and sterilized before every use. If the objects you use cannot be dipped in water, try boiling them in hot water to sterilize them.

Consult With Your Healthcare Provider

Before you jump into anything, make sure you are getting in touch with your doctor. They can offer you personalized advice and guidance on safe sex practices during pregnancy.

Use A Lube

When you use your fingers or sex toys for penetration while masturbating, it is better to use a lubricant to enhance your comfort and avoid any such intense or excessive stimulation that may potentially harm your pregnancy.

Prioritize Relaxation

Masturbation may be the best stress reliever. Setting your mood, getting in a comfortable position, and creating a very relaxing environment may enhance the whole experience and contribute to your emotional well-being during pregnancy. Also, it is better to stick to just one orgasm. Women tend to get more excited sometimes and go for multiple orgasms at a time. This is something you need to refrain from.

Orgasms increase your pressure, and too much of it can actually be harmful to your body.

Read More: Is It Ok To Masturbate?

The Bottom Line

To conclude, I would like to add that the entire topic of masturbation may be a source of concern and curiosity for expecting mamas. So, wondering, “Is it ok to masturbate while pregnant?” is something way more common than you can imagine. However, the agreement among doctors is that the activity is kind of safe. In fact, it can bring in quite a few benefits for the mother and the baby.

With correct precautions, like maintaining cleanliness and consulting with your doctor, you may confidently explore your sexual desires as much as you want. It is important that you remember that every pregnancy is unique, and getting in touch with a healthcare provider is necessary to make sure that your personal health and safety are well retained throughout.

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