Pleasure and pregnancy: the benefits of using a vibrator while pregnant

Is it safe to use a vibrator during pregnancy? If you have ever been pregnant and wondered this you are not alone. And the answer is YES, you totally can use a vibe while pregnant. In fact, being pregnant can change your sex drive; some people see their libidos skyrocket, particularly during the second trimester, while others have a lower-than-usual sex drive throughout. Simply just depends on the person. If you are one of the people with a higher libido, masturbating is completely normal and safe. Sex toys such as dildos and vibrators are totally safe to use while pregnant. 

While it’s always smart to avoid penetrating the vagina too deeply with a sex toy (and you should never use one with sharp edges that cause you pain), you don’t need to worry about piercing the placenta or hurting the baby. The mucous plug and amniotic fluid safely seals off the uterus — and your little one — from the outside world. As the American Pregnancy Association explains, “Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, you and your partner should be able to enjoy sex during your pregnancy. Pay attention to your body and make adjustments so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.” This includes solo sex, as well.

If you are still on the fence about masturbating while pregnant, here are some undeniable benefits to grabbing a vibe while the little one’s inside..

1. It relieves stress: When you orgasm after masturbating, your body releases oxytocin, which is a natural stress-reliever.

2. Orgasms can be more intense during pregnancy: Orgasms experienced during pregnancy are a notch above regular orgasms, which means added pleasure.

3. It’s a great alternative for sex: Your growing belly or a medical condition may prevent you from having sex or make it difficult for you, which is when masturbation can come to your rescue.

4. It can provide relief from pregnancy symptoms: Some of the least enjoyable things about pregnancy are symptoms like morning sickness, swollen feet, back pain, etc. Having an orgasm can provide natural pain relief from these symptoms.

5. It can help you sleep: When the growing belly makes sleeping difficult, you can rely on masturbation, as orgasms lower blood pressure and release endorphins that can help you sleep.

6. It can make labor easier: A strong pelvic floor can be beneficial during labour and delivery. Masturbation and orgasms can strengthen your pelvic floor.

7. It can make you love your body: You may feel a little disconnected with your pregnant body owing to all the changes that your body is going through. Masturbating and exploring yourself can help you feel connected to your body again and make you love it.

8. Aside from these benefits, some doctors also believe that babies may be soothed or comforted by the rhythmic contractions that are caused by orgasms!

With all these benefits, you will, no doubt, want to indulge in self-love. However as your belly grows and changes, so will the rest of your body, which might make self pleasure more difficult. 

Because I am more of a “stay ready that way you won’t have to get ready” type person, here are some pregnancy masturbation hacks for when those tough times arrive:

1. Keep Your Sex Toys Close By

Keep your favorite toys handy, as well as their chargers too. When it comes to sex, during pregnancy using sex toys can be more pleasurable. You can incorporate toys in partnered sex by having them easily accessible for your partner to use.

2. Use Lubricants

Vaginal dryness is common in many women during pregnancy, and applying lubricant can make the entire experience better as it tends to make the genitals extra sensitive. I recommend a water-based lubricant. 

3. Take All the Time You Need

Due to the changes in your body, your masturbation experience may be different from before. For some, it may take more time to get in the mood, and for others, it may take no time at all! The added blood flow to the genital region during pregnancy can make it super sensitive, so take time with your body and explore it at your pace. Work with what suits your pregnancy body.

4. Explore Different Positions

Your body has changed a lot, and you now have a large belly that can make regular masturbation challenging – you may need to go through a lot of trial and error to find a comfortable position. Lying on your back isn’t ideal during pregnancy;  try lying on your side, standing on all fours, or even bending over the bed.

5. Clitoral Stimulation for People on Pelvic Rest

If your doctor has put you on pelvic rest for any reason, it most likely means that you are off sex. However, you can still engage in masturbation by stimulating your clitoris and achieve an orgasm! However, confirm the feasibility of this with your doctor beforehand.