We-Vibe, well-known pleasure brand for couples, collaborates with Ziggy to talk about sexual wellness during pregnancy. As the journey of pregnancy progresses, it is important for expectant mothers and couples to prioritise sexual wellness. Maintaining intimacy during this transformative period can have a significant impact on a person’s sexual health and well-being, not to mention fostering emotional connection and reducing stress within partners. We-Vibe is proud to collaborate with Ziggy Makant, an invaluable resource in Hong Kong’s Women’s Health space, particularly for pre-and post-natal women.
Ziggy’s personal experience as a mother herself, coupled with her current pregnancy with her third child, has fueled her passion for promoting body positivity and self-care. As a personal trainer, group fitness, and yoga instructor, she has the expertise to understand what women need to feel healthy and strong, particularly during and after pregnancy. She has also bravely opened up about her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, giving her a unique perspective and the ability to empathise with those who may be struggling with similar mental health challenges.
Changes within the Prenatal Body
“We need to break the taboo surrounding sexual wellness during pregnancy and encourage more open and honest conversations,” says Ziggy. “By prioritising sexual wellness during the prenatal period, expectant parents can navigate this journey with confidence and joy.” Ziggy highlights that pregnancy is a unique experience, and no two pregnancies are exactly alike. Hormonal changes can lead to physical and emotional changes, and it is essential to understand how these changes can affect sexuality. Pregnant people may experience periods of heightened arousal due to hormonal changes, and others may have little-to-no sex drive during this time.
“Pregnancy, although a beautiful time, can be quite an embarrassing time,” says Ziggy. “It is important to prioritise pelvic health and seek the appropriate support if necessary.” Hormones can relax muscles and sphincters, leading to stress urinary incontinence and pressure. It is essential to seek the advice of a pelvic floor physiotherapist to understand how to relax the pelvic floor to allow the baby to pass through during delivery. Exploring different sex positions with a partner can be fun and exciting, and towards the end of pregnancy, nipple stimulation and sex can help to induce labor.
Sex During Pregnancy: Tips & Tricks
For couples that still would like to experience penetrative sex, water-based lubricants can help reduce discomfort, and experimenting with positions can accommodate changes in the body. Open communication with the partner is crucial in identifying what feels comfortable and what doesn’t, and taking time with foreplay and exploration can help the body adjust. Some women might not want penetrative sex anymore which gives couples the opportunity to explore different erogenous zones or experiment with massages. Every pregnancy is unique, and it is important to communicate openly with the partner and healthcare provider to find what works best.
Here is Ziggy’s top advice:
Sensual massage – This can be a great way to explore physical intimacy without engaging in penetrative sex. It can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Non-penetrative sex – This includes activities such as oral sex or mutual masturbation. These activities can help maintain physical intimacy while accommodating changes in the body.
Exploring with sex toys – These aids can help enhance and prolong sensations, that humans can’t produce with their own bodies, such as pulsing and vibrating. These can help particularly when mobility reaching certain areas becomes limited.
Kissing and cuddling – These activities can help promote emotional intimacy and physical closeness without the need for penetrative sex.
Mutual exploration – This involves exploring each other’s bodies without engaging in penetrative sex. It can be a great way to build intimacy and increase sexual desire.
Communication and emotional support – This includes open and honest communication about sexual desires and concerns, as well as offering emotional support during the changes and challenges of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their bodies that can make sexual activity challenging or uncomfortable. Sex toys can be a great way for pregnant women to connect with their bodies and explore sexual pleasure in a safe and comfortable way. Additionally, incorporating sex toys into partnered sex can help couples maintain intimacy and explore new forms of pleasure.
We-Vibe, Womanizer and ROMP recommend the following toys that are well-suited for use during pregnancy:
Images: We-Vibe