- Do you do sex work? And are you pregnant? Then you might have questions
- It is safe to have sex while you're pregnant
- So you can continue working if you want
- Here you can read what to keep in mind if you do sex work and are pregnant
Sex and pregnancy
Being pregnant often affects your sex life. Your body changes. Some positions may no longer work. You may have an increased desire for sex, or you may not feel like it at all. You might feel nauseous, tired, or have pain somewhere.
You can have sex throughout your pregnancy. This is not dangerous for your baby.
Does sex feel different during pregnancy?
Sex and orgasm can feel different when you're pregnant. Your vagina may become lubricated more quickly. Your vagina may also swell and be much more sensitive. Your orgasms may also be more intense.
Sex positions during pregnancy
Do you have a large belly or breasts due to pregnancy? Then some positions may be a bit more difficult. You might find other sex positions more comfortable than before your pregnancy.
Lower or no sex drive
You may not feel like having sex during your pregnancy. It's common to have a decreased sex drive during the first three months. Most people experience an increased sex drive afterward.
To get more desire and pleasure from sex, it can help to use a little more lubricant or get a massage.
Safety
It's almost always safe to have sex during pregnancy. There are exceptions, but your midwife will tell you about them.
Having sex during pregnancy won't harm your baby. Your baby is well protected by the membranes and amniotic fluid in your uterus. Your baby won't notice anything when you have sex.
If sex doesn't feel good or is painful, stop having sex. Are you worried about your pregnancy? Discuss this with your midwife.
STIs and pregnancy
Pregnancy doesn't protect against STIs. It's a good idea to get tested for STIs during your pregnancy. STIs can be harmful to your health and that of your baby. If you have symptoms that could indicate an STI, be sure to get tested.
Ask your gynaecologist, GP, or the Municipal Health Service (GGD) which STIs are dangerous.
Read about what STIs there are, how you get them and how you can prevent them
Take an STI test
Are you a sex worker? Then get an STI test twice a year. You can do this at your doctor’s officer or for free at the municipal health service (GGD). Then you will know for sure whether you have an STI. And you will get medicine for it right away.
Working after giving birth
Penetrating sex (for example, inserting a penis or sex toy into your vagina) is possible again once the bleeding after birth has stopped. As long as you're still bleeding from your vagina, there's a risk of infection from sex. This lasts for about six weeks.
As long as you're still bleeding or experiencing pain from your delivery, it's best not to insert anything into your vagina. So, no penises, fingers, or sex toys. Other forms of sex are possible, such as oral sex or masturbation.
Tips:
- Wait to have sex until you feel like it again.
- Do you want to work, but vaginal sex hurts? Then do something else. For example: blowjobs, oral sex, handjobs, fingering, masturbation, fingering, massage or role-playing
- Does your vagina feel dry? Use extra lube. Read more about lube
- Exercise your lower belly muscles (pelvic floor muscles). Those are the muscles with which you tighten your vagina. This gives you more control over your lower body and vagina when you have sex. It also makes the chance that you lose pee during sex smaller.
