Q. Can I masturbate? Will it hurt the baby?
A. Masturbation is a great release of sexual energy. I highly encourage this for women. It's also great to have a session of mutual masturbation if you're not interested in penetration. Masturbation is also a good thing to think of if only one person in the relationship is interested in sex at that particular moment. It allows your to be sexual without having to have sex for whatever reason, and yet your partner (or you) can enjoy a release of sexual tension.
Q. I've heard that oral sex is dangerous. Is that true?
A. Oral sex is not dangerous for you while pregnant, with one exception, don't blow air into the vagina. You'll read this a lot of places, but I personally don't know anyone who blows air during cunnilingus, maybe I'm missing out!
Oral sex can be very pleasurable during pregnancy, particularly if you are fearful or simply do not wish to engage in intercourse. It's a great way to try and express your sexuality without sex. There is an increased discharge during pregnancy, this is not harmful to either of you. If either of you are bothered by this you can simply wash yourself prior to engaging in these activities.
Q. Can I have anal sex while pregnant?
A. That's a tough one. Not many people have studied this, and in general I would say that if you've engaged in this prior to becoming pregnant there should be no difficulties, but listen to your body. If it hurts stop. It may also be more difficult at the end of pregnancy as the baby's head engages into the pelvis. We often forget that the only thing that separates the vagina and the rectum is a piece of skin. This may make anal sex more painful at the end of pregnancy.
Q. Can I use a vibrator while pregnant?
A. Anyone want to do a thesis on this one? Seriously, I've been asked this question a number of times, and there isn't a clear cut answer out there. So I'm going to rely on the end result: orgasms.
Orgasms are safe during pregnancy, with a few minor exceptions. Watch for continual contractions of the uterus, and other than that you should be fine. Of course, it would also be good if you could ask your practitioner about this topic as well. They will have more knowledge of your personal medical history. If they say no get specifics on why not, to ensure that it's not personal bias.
