You May Be Sexier than You Think
Pregnancy is sexy! We know many men
think their pregnant partner is more beautiful and sexier than ever
before, especially during this middle part of pregnancy. Below are
reasons men have given us as to why they think their pregnant partner
is sexy.
• Your skin may be smoother and softer because you use more lotions and oils.
• You ask for massages and back rubs, which may lead to further massage and sexual intimacy.
• Discovering different ways to make love can be fun.
• Sex during pregnancy often requires some creative thinking on both your parts.
• Your pregnancy makes him walk like a man. For many men, their partner’s pregnancy is a source of pride.
• You may have more cleavage (or cleavage when you’ve never had it before).
• Your hair may be luxurious, nails may be long and skin glowing.
• You may be feeling very sexy due to increased blood flow to your pelvic area.
• Your curves can be sexy.
• Pregnancy hormones may increase your sexual desire.
• Your changing figure, such as enlarging breasts, may turn him on.
• The level of commitment you
feel toward your partner may intensify your intimacy, both sexually and
nonsexually. Having a child together may be the ultimate act of trust.
• You’re carefree because you don’t have to worry about birth control.
Body Art
We have seen an increase in piercings
and tattoos of women. These types of body art may lead to situations
during pregnancy that must be dealt with, so an understanding of some
of the problems that may occur may help you understand where your
healthcare provider is coming from if he or she has a concern.
Body piercing has been around
since ancient civilization and is popular again. The most popular form
of piercing is pierced earlobes—many women have pierced ears. This is a
low-risk type of piercing your healthcare provider won’t be concerned
about.
However, other places on the body may be
pierced, including the eyebrow, nostril, nasal septum, lips, tongue,
nipples, navel, labia and clitoral hood; these piercings may cause your
healthcare provider concern. With oral piercing, there’s a chance for
various infections and for swallowing jewelry. Nipple piercing can
damage milk ducts, which could interfere with breastfeeding. Navel
jewelry must be removed after about 3 or 4 months of pregnancy due to
the stretching tummy. Leaving jewelry in the navel could lead to
ripping or tearing. With any type of piercing, there’s the possibility
of scar-tissue formation. This is especially common with people of
African descent.
If you have any oral piercings, your
healthcare provider may discuss removing them before delivery. In some
cases, anesthesiologists are concerned about keeping your airway open
if jewelry is not removed. This situation isn’t common, but no one can
predict what labor and delivery will involve, so it may be safer to
remove the jewelry as you get closer to your due date.
If you have any piercings (other than
earlobes), bring them to the attention of your healthcare provider.
Discuss any suggestions for removing jewelry, if you’re concerned.
Like body piercing, tattoos have
been part of many cultures for thousands of years. Today, many people
have tattoos; the most common sites are the arms, chest, back, abdomen
and legs. Some problems pregnant women with tattoos have include
infection, allergic reaction, formation of scar tissue at the tattoo
site, stretch marks in the area of the tattoo and removal of an
unwanted tattoo.
Do not be surprised
to see a change in your tattoo if it’s located on a body part or in an
area that can be affected by pregnancy. For example, the cute little
butterfly on your abdomen may grow very large during pregnancy. In
addition, stretch marks may run through it. After pregnancy, skin may
remain stretched, and the cute little butterfly droops and sags until
skin returns to “normal” after pregnancy, which may not be like
“normal” before pregnancy.
Feeling unattractive during pregnancy?
Help yourself feel beautiful by keeping pretty things around you, like
flowers or a beautiful picture. You may also help yourself by telling
yourself you’re beautiful. Buy some sexy lingerie that makes you feel
sexy. Boy shorts will flatter your legs, and floaty tops can camouflage
your tummy.
Tattoo removal during pregnancy is not
recommended. Neither is getting a new tattoo. You don’t want to
increase your chances of getting an infection, which is a risk when you
get a tattoo. Wait until after baby’s birth to receive or to remove a
tattoo.
There have been rumors that
women who have tattoos on their lower backs can’t have regional
anesthesia, such as epidurals and spinal anesthesia. However, no
studies have shown this to be true. Discuss any concerns you have about
anesthesia and your tattoos with your healthcare provider.
