Being sexually intimate with a partner is a normal part of a relationship. When a woman becomes pregnant, she may find that her level of desire changes, or she may fear that sex could harm the baby. The following explains sex drive during pregnancy and outlines tips for maintaining a healthy intimate life.
How Pregnancy Affects Desire
The hormonal upswing that comes with being pregnant, along with having larger and fuller breasts, can make a woman want more sex than she did beforehand. Other women may find their sex drive during pregnancy comes and goes in cycles.
- The first trimester brings nausea, fatigue, painful breasts and frequent urination, which can lower the desire for sex. Kissing, massaging and cuddling are good alternatives at this stage.
- The second trimester is often more comfortable, as most if not all the first trimester symptoms have subsided. This, coupled with extra blood flow into the pelvic area, can greatly increase a woman’s desire and may even lead to multiple orgasms. The woman should not have sex on her back after the four-month mark, as this can lead to major blood vessels being compressed.
- The third trimester may bring more changes to the sex drive during pregnancy. At this point, the woman’s stomach is very large and intimacy in most positions may prove uncomfortable. The anticipation of being a parent may bring the woman anxiety and nervousness, both of which can lower sexual desire. Engaging in alternate forms of intimacy can be helpful at this time.
- It should be noted that women who are at risk of miscarriage, premature birth or have cervical issues should consult a doctor before engaging in sexual activity.
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