Sex & Pregnancy

You’re pregnant, and your partner is giving you the nudge for some action.

It’s not uncommon that sex is going to be furthest thing from your mind as your body is changing in its shape; size and hormones are going through the seesaw of emotions.

But then for others, you just have those niggling fears and questions about whether it’s safe or not or when am I going to be ready again?

So here are some hints and tips about sex & pregnancy:

1. Is it safe for me, and the baby, to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes.

I have heard of many men that think their penis will poke out the baby’s eye! Well for those wondering, that’s physically impossible. The baby is protected in the uterus. In 99% of cases sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for both mum and the baby.

There are some exceptions that your obgyn will tell you about. These would include those with a weak cervix, unexplained bleeding or people that suffer from placenta previa. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

2. When am I going to be ready?

It’s not true that just because your pregnant your libido will tank. For some it’s completely the opposite. Your new curves can make you feel irresistibly sexy and many couples have an active sex life for the entire 9 months!

But here is more of a common reaction of what’s happening to you…

1st trimester-

Fatigue, nausea, hormones on fire and body changes can be a put off. But for others it doesn’t stop that urge to be close to their partner – so it’s really up to you.

2nd & 3rd trimester (also called the ‘Honeymoon Period of Pregnancy’)–

Hormones start to level out and at this time there is an increase in blood flow to your intimate areas and your libido tends to rear its head again and orgasms have been recorded to be more intense and pleasurable! So get your groove on even with a baby on board.

3. Is it safe to use massagers during pregnancy?

Yes.

At all stages of pregnancy, vibrators – both internal and external – are safe to use. However, during this time please take note that body-safety is really important. So take note of the quality of the product you are using and its hygiene.

4. Do I need to consider new positions?

Lessening pressure on your mid-section is recommended. Also you may need to minimize contact with sensitive nipples as your pregnancy advances.

1st & 2nd trimester positions-

• T-square- Lie on your back horizontally on the edge of the bed. He stands the whole time

• Downward facing doggy-style- Think of the yoga position with a similar name but with your knees and ankles horizontal on the mattress allowing your belly to rest on your thighs

3rd trimester positions-

Avoid lying on your back and the traditional missionary style. Lying flat on your back is not recommended as the weight of your uterus can cause a drop in your blood pressure. So try

• Spooning- Where he enters you from behind while you both lie on your sides
• Side T-square- Lie on your side on the edge of the bed for a non-strenuous lovemaking session. He stands the whole time.

* It’s vital now more then ever to communicate more asking ‘how does it feel?’

Bottom line is you’re the one calling the shots. When your ready, you’re ready and you will know it.

Love & Indulgence Tip of the Day is kegels!
This is our recommendation during pregnancy both pre & post and endorsed by our lovely Oprah!

Have you heard of Luna Beads?

These are vibrating balls that exercise your pelvic floor muscles otherwise also known as Kegels.
Strong and healthy kegels will help you prepare for pregnancy and childbirth let alone help you get back to your pre-baby vaginal shape. 1 in 3 women suffer from pelvic floor disorders so if you don’t want to be in one of those ads on incontinence where a women sneezes, coughs or exercises and has the response of an embarrassing little puddle, then concentrate on your kegels from the get go!

The silent benefit however of strong kegels is more intense orgasms. Yes please!

Check out our kegels page

www.loveandindulgence.com.au

5 Ways to Keep Passion in Your Relationship

I was reading an article by Matthew Hussey from Get the Guy, and loved his note about relationships.

“Many people say that if a relationship is right, it should be easy. Though it’s true that if your relationship is too much work it probably isn’t right, it doesn’t mean that a good relationship won’t require effort. The sad truth is that most people bring their best selves on day one to the stranger, and a much lazier more negative version on day 365 with the person they love.”

Wow! Hit the nail on the head. Lets look at just relationships themselves.

"We start off making an effort to be on the best behavior, care about what we look like, wear our best underwear and are willing to negotiate our time, emotions and experiences for that person."

Then comfortability sets in. We burp, fart, walk around in our sloppy Joe’s, lingerie and nice boxers becomes non-existent and the granny knickers and holy jocks come out along with the tracksuits, and our levels of tolerance decrease while our sarcasm increases.

That’s just the effects of routine. We haven’t even talked about what happens after kids!

So here goes with some quick tips to keep the passion in your relationship:

1. Dating

Since when is it ok to stop dating ever?

That’s right, never stop dating your partner. It is imperative to the health, wellbeing and longevity of your current relationship.

I can see you now rolling your eyes at the concept of date night. I’m not talking about the same night every week, eating at the same restaurant, having the same boring conversation.

Mix it up! Different days, different venues, different events. Try movies, dinner, day dates at a winery, special event venues in your city, go to the zoo or museum, theatre, comedy (highly recommend this one), night picnic on the beach, sporting event (you both like fellas), or even a night away at a hotel (guaranteed to spice it up).

For those with kids, you are not a bad parent for leaving them at home while you go out with the person YOU chose to be with for the rest of your life. By putting your relationship last on your list you are actually doing your entire family an injustice.

"By having a loving, intimate relationship in front of your children you are teaching them the best life skills for a future successful relationship"

(pssst…kids know when your faking it).

2. Grooming

This covers hair, face, how you dress and intimate body parts landscaping!

Ooohh I just felt another eye roll.

Oh my god, you want me to wax or shave during winter? Since when it is ok to let yourself go? Obviously we are happy to do this as a deterrent to make sure your partner doesn’t come near you, but if your reading this article I’m hoping you actually WANT some attention from your other half. Are you cool with going down there when the forest has come to town? No? Well why should they feel any different?

The benefit to taking some care in your appearance is it will boost YOUR self esteem and trust me, that new found confidence will snowball into every part of your life and wait ’til your see how your life changes for the better!

3. Kissing

200 times more powerful then morphine. That’s why it’s the drug of choice for women.

For those who have had a slowdown or full blown stop in their intimacy within their relationship, I recommend you try the 5 minute challenge taken on by so many of our customers recently.

For 5 minutes every day for a week, kiss, not peck, your partner passionately and watch how that libido that had taken a vacation is stirred like the underlying giant it is!

4. Be Selfless

Take a mental note of things your partner likes.

Everything from food, what you wear, how you do your hair, when they comment when you touch or kiss them a certain way, events they spark an interest in on TV, things they want to do, things they mention they like or their fantasies.

Ladies, it also doesn’t hurt to remind him of ways he can make you happy, as guys love roadmaps!

5. Special occasions

These deserve special experiences no matter how long you have been together.

Nothing is more of a relationship deflator when your birthday, anniversary or holidays come around and it is a non-event.

"We are not saying go out and splurge on something you can’t afford. One of the best gifts you can give your partner is simply your time!"

Go on a day trip to a place neither of you have been to before or go learn something new together. By doing something like this you not only get QUALITY time together but also you have just created a new point of connection and conversation. It doesn’t get any better then that.

www.loveandindulgence.com.au

Top 10 Health Benefits to Kissing

Are you looking for a long and healthy life? Well it’s as simple as…kissing! 

Medical studies have demonstrated these 10 amazing health benefits of kissing:

1. Live 5 years longer
Those who kiss their lovers goodbye each morning live five years longer then those who don’t.

2. Boosts your self-esteem
Kissing is great for self-esteem. It makes you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.

3. Burns calories
Kissing burns 2-3 calories a minute doubling your metabolic rate. Research claims that the three passionate kisses a day (at least 20 seconds each) will cause you to lose an entire pound!

4. Stress Reliever 
Kissing is a known stress reliever. Passionate kissing relieves tension, reduces negative energy and produces a sense of well being, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.

5. Instant Facelift
Kissing uses 30 facial muscles and it helps keep the facial muscles tight. The tension I the muscles caused by a passionate kiss helps to smooth the skin and increase circulation.

6. Healthier Heart
Kissing the good for the heart. It creates adrenaline, which causes your heart to pump more blood through your body. Frequent kissing has scientifically been proven to stabilize cardiovascular activity, decreases blood pressure and cholesterol.

7. Lower infection rate
Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.

8. Natural Antibiotic
During a kiss natural antibiotics are secreted in the saliva. Also, saliva contains a type of anaesthetic that helps relieve pain.

9. Reduces Anxiety
Kissing reduces anxiety and stops the ‘noise’ in your mind. It increases the level of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.

10. Pain Relief
The endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful then morphine.

This is why kissing is the drug of choice for most women and committed lovers.

But wait! There is just ONE more…It’s great to reignite the spark in your relationship

So ladies, take the 5-minute challenge from Love & Indulgence. All you have to do is passionately kiss (no pecking allowed) your man or women everyday for 5 minutes for the next week.

I challenge you today! Trust me, it will bring the spark back for BOTH of you. SHARE the challenge and lets get the spice happening together.

Check out the X on the Lips by Sensuva pheromone lip balm to add an extra buzz to your make-out sessions

http://loveandindulgence.com.au/index.php?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=x+on+the+lips

www.loveandindulgence.com.au