You may find that you and your partner need to adapt to the emotional and physical changes that accompany pregnancy.
In a low-risk
pregnancy, sex is perfectly safe, although your levels of desire may
fluctuate throughout pregnancy. Most women report that their interest in
sex is the same or slightly reduced in the first trimester. In the
second trimester, it varies from woman to woman, and in the third
trimester libido often falls.
Sex during pregnancy
During the first
trimester, the hormonal changes that cause nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
can naturally result in a reduced interest in sex. However, other
pregnancy changes may increase your desire, such as an increased blood
flow, which produces swelling in the clitoris and labia and extra
vaginal secretions. In the second trimester especially, vaginal
lubrication and intensity of orgasm can increase, which may be
accompanied by gentle contractions; these are normal and are nothing to
worry about. Many women find that their libido falls toward the end of
pregnancy since a bigger belly makes sex more awkward and uncomfortable,
and they may also feel increasingly anxious about the birth.
How your partner feels
As with women, men display
a range of feelings toward sex in pregnancy. While some may find their
partner’s new, fuller shape particularly sensuous, others may feel
apprehensive about sex, fearing that they may harm the baby. Some men
may feel a combination of these emotions. Unless there are concerns
about your pregnancy (see When to seek advice), it’s generally thought that sex won’t cause harm, since your baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid and your uterus.
When to seek advice
Some women experience
vaginal bleeding after sex in pregnancy. This is most likely to be
harmless and is often caused by the increased blood flow to the cervix
in pregnancy, which can cause it to bleed on contact with your partner’s
penis. If this is the cause, the bleeding should resolve after the
birth. However, since there are other possible causes, report any
bleeding to your doctor.
In addition to the size
of your belly causing discomfort during sex, some women experience pain
during sex toward the end of pregnancy as the baby moves farther into
the pelvis; or they may find that the contractions that can accompany
orgasm become increasingly uncomfortable. These symptoms are unlikely to
be a cause for concern, but it’s worth mentioning them to your doctor
for reassurance.
There are some
circumstances in late pregnancy when intercourse may not be safe. This
can be the case if you’ve had a previous premature labor or risk factors
for premature labor, such as a weak cervix, or if you have placenta
previa , or leakage of amniotic fluid, which can mean your water has broken.
If you have any concerns,
don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for advice. Being able to enjoy sex
in pregnancy will help you and your partner feel close during this time
of transition. Indeed, psychologists have found that couples who enjoy
sex in pregnancy are more tender toward each other and communicate
better after the birth.
What to do
An intimate pregnancy
During pregnancy,
fatigue, feelings of insecurity about your new shape, and concerns
about the safety of sex can all take their toll on your relationship.
Allowing yourself time to adjust and keeping the channels of
communication open will help you and your partner enjoy this new stage
in your relationship.
Talk to each other about your feelings and be aware that, for both of you, levels of interest may fluctuate.
If your belly makes some positions uncomfortable, experiment with alternative ones that accommodate your size, such as side-by-side, rear entry, or woman-on-top positions.
Enjoy other ways to maintain intimacy besides intercourse, such as touching and massage.
