When you’re pregnant with twins, your body goes through significant changes. These include changes in your sex drive and comfort levels during sexual intercourse.
Fortunately, sex while pregnant with twins is usually safe. Most sexual positions are also safe, although you might find it more comfortable to have your partner enter from behind rather than the front.
What to Expect
Some women experience early pregnancy symptoms that lead them to suspect they’re carrying twins, but there is no way to know how many babies are in your womb until an ultrasound scan. It’s also possible to have common “twin pregnancy symptoms” with a singleton pregnancy, and many people don’t have any of the early signs of twins.
During the first trimester, you might have elevated levels of hCG, a pregnancy hormone. However, a high reading does not automatically indicate multiples because a woman’s height, pre-pregnancy weight and diet can affect the results of an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening, which tests for birth defects and measures the amount of protein secreted by the fetal liver.
In the second trimester, you’re likely to have a heightened risk of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). This severe condition, which is similar to morning sickness but is much more intense and causes uncontrollable vomiting, can be caused by elevated hCG levels or other conditions, such as gestational diabetes.
You may also be at a greater risk of having a caesarean delivery because your doctor will need to monitor you more closely for complications. This can be an important factor to consider when choosing the best birthing method for your situation. Talk with your obstetrician about what’s right for you.
Changes in Libido
It’s not uncommon for hormonal shifts to impact a person’s libido, and this may be even more noticeable when carrying twins. Some couples will experience an increase in sexual desire, while others might notice a decrease. This is normal, and it’s important for both partners to be understanding and communicate openly about what works and doesn’t work for them.
Changes in libido can be due to a variety of reasons, including fluctuations in hormone levels, fatigue, nausea and stress. The physical strain of carrying twins can also play a role, as the increased weight and shifting position can cause discomfort.
Some women might experience a boost in their libido due to the natural excitement of becoming a mother, which can be an emotional and physical rollercoaster. This can be a good time for couples to experiment with new positions and other methods of being intimate, such as massage, games or fantasies.
Another reason a person might experience an increase in libido is that pregnancy can actually make the vulva more sensitive, which can lead to increased orgasms. This is why many pregnant women report discovering orgasms for the first time during their pregnancies. If a person experiences this, they should speak to a healthcare professional.
Safety
Whether you are having identical twins or fraternal twins, there are some things that are important to keep in mind when you are pregnant with twins. Twin pregnancies can occur naturally, but you are also more likely to have twins if you are over the age of 35 or if your family has a history of twins. There are no known herbs, foods or sex positions that increase your chances of having twins.
Because twins are more complicated than single babies, your doctor will monitor the pregnancy much more closely than if you were only carrying one baby. This is why it is important to go to your doctor’s appointments and take your folic acid as recommended.
If you notice any emotional changes that last more than 2 weeks, talk to your obstetrician. These could be a sign of antenatal depression or anxiety. You can contact Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for support.
It is possible to vaginally deliver twins, but this depends on the position and size of the babies. If the twins are positioned head down and the larger one is sitting closer to the head, it may be possible to have a vaginal birth. If the twins are breech or if the smaller twin is sitting closer to the feet, it is probably best to have a C-section.
Comfort
If you experience any discomfort in your first trimester, there are a few things that can help make it more comfortable. Adding extra lubrication, taking it slow, and trying out different positions may help. It’s also important to talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. Communicating openly and being willing to try new things can help you and your partner have a healthy, happy, and satisfying sexual relationship throughout your twin pregnancy.
As you progress into the second trimester, many of these early discomforts should go away. However, you may find that certain positions are less comfortable as your belly gets bigger. You and your partner can experiment with a variety of positions to find what works best for you both. In addition, you may need to change your diet during this time as a way to get the nutrients you and your twins need.
You should also be sure to use protection, regardless of the type of sex you have. This helps to prevent infections that could harm you and your babies. Remember, if you are concerned about your ability to be sexually active with your partner, always consult your doctor.