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Can You Use Sex Toys During Pregnancy? Here Are 4 Things To Keep In Mind
Pregnancy changes everything, but it doesn't have to completely influence your sex life. As long as your pregnancy is healthy, progressing normally, and your doctor hasn't put any restrictions on you, you can continue to have not only a sex life, but a smoking hot one at that. If you're a woman that likes sex, this is music to your ears, but if you're a woman who likes to experiment with more than just your typical moves in the bedroom, you may be wondering if you can use sex toys during pregnancy.
The short answer? Yes, of course you can. Rarely is anything sex-related off limits during pregnancy. Even rough intercourse while you're pregnant is OK as long as you're smart and safe about it. But sex toys definitely get a green light since, for the most part, they're just synthetic versions of the real thing, notes What to Expect. In fact, you may find that you enjoy sex toys even more than you did before you were pregnant. Obstetric physiotherapist Alison Bourne told Baby Centre UK that women may find their sex toys more satisfying while pregnant because "the increased blood flow to your genitals, along with hormonal changes, can make orgasms with a sex toy more intense."
If you're worried about penetration, it's understandable, but your sex toys aren't going to be a problem. According to What to Expect, it's fine to avoid deep penetration with a sex toy, but your placenta, cervix, and baby are all well protected. If your partner thrusting inside you is safe, then so is your sex toy.
A vibrator may be your toy of choice and that one's totally safe, too. The Bump notes that a vibrator is actually a mild choice when compared to active thrusting from your partner or a dildo. And using a vibrator on your clitoris? Absolutely safe.
No matter what kind of sex toy you're using during pregnancy, it's still important to consider a few things. While the act of using the toy is safe on your body, there are some precautions you can take to keep yourself even safer.
1Clean Your Toys Thoroughly
And I mean thoroughly. Clean it before and after you use it, just to keep any bacteria from entering your vagina and causing an infection. Bourne told Baby Centre UK to make sure you clean your toys all over (including the parts that don't enter your body) with warm, soapy water, rinse and dry them carefully, and then store them in a clean place. Every toy is different, so make sure to check with the manufacturer on cleaning instructions.
2Use A Condom
Even if after your toys are clean, you may still want to use a condom with them. Your sex toy can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and if you're in a same-sex relationship, sharing toys without a condom can be risky, according to Baby Center.
3Don't Switch From Vaginal To Anal
If you use a sex toy for anal stimulation or penetration, then make that strictly an anal toy. No matter how deeply you clean your sex toy, that bacteria can still be there and potentially cause an infection in your vagina.
4Treat It Like Regular Pregnancy Sex
The same rules on sex while pregnant apply to using sex toys while pregnant. If you're bleeding, your cervix is probably just a little irritated and nothing to worry about unless it's accompanied with cramps or gets heavier. It's totally safe to orgasm while using sex toys, and any position is fair game, as long as you're comfortable.
