During your pregnancy and after,
your sexual relationship may change. This is normal and not necessarily a
negative consequence of pregnancy. In fact, many women report a better sexual
relationship in the years post pregnancy.
Most women have sexual concerns that arise during pregnancy and after; sometimes
these concerns have to do with their partner and relationship, while at other
times they revolve around sexual changes that are occurring in the body.
Some of the more common sexual concerns that arise as a result of pregnancy
include:
Changing libido
Dyspareunia
Partner's Reaction to Pregnancy
Changing Libido
It is quite normal for your libido to wax and wane during the course of your
pregnancy.
During the first trimester you may find for example that your sex drive
diminishes significantly. This can be due to rapid hormonal changes and more
commonly, constant morning sickness.
Most women are also very tired and disinterested in sex during the first
trimester. However, during the second trimester it is not uncommon for women's
sex drive to ramp up significantly.
As more blood is flowing through the vagina and reproductive organs, you may
feel more aroused than normal. In addition, your increasing breast size and more
rounded appearance may cause you to feel more sexy and attractive. Other women
are able to experience more powerful orgasms during this time.
Once again, libido may decrease during the third trimester due to increased body
weight and discomfort. For some women however, libido remains high despite a
growing belly.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is pain that occurs in the vagina upon penetration during sexual
intercourse.
Pain can occur during pregnancy, but for some women is more likely to occur
after pregnancy. In the early post partum weeks most women's vaginas are
'atrophic' meaning the skin in them is thin and there is little natural
lubrication available.
It is usually associated with decreased estrogen levels, and is common in
breastfeeding women. Your vagina may be more easily irritated. It may help to
use more lubrication and engage in more foreplay prior to engaging in
intercourse to help alleviate the sensitivity associated with this condition.
Partner's Reaction to Pregnancy
Your partner's reaction to pregnancy may affect the quality or frequency of your
sexual relations.
Some men are tremendously aroused by their partner's swelling figures, whereas
others might be afraid that sex will harm the baby in some way.
Many partners are coping with the emotional aspect of their wife and sex partner
turned mother. Some are even afraid that the baby will take something away from
their relationship.
Women also have many concerns, particularly about their body image and changing
shape during and after pregnancy. While some women love the changes that occur
physically, others are less contented.
All of these concerns are normal, but when kept hidden may impact the quality of
your sex life. The best thing you can do is keep an open stream of constant
communication with your partner so that you can talk with each other about your
fears, concerns and desires.
For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, sex during pregnancy is
completely safe. Sex after pregnancy may take some time. The most important
thing you need to do is ensure that you are completely comfortable and well
before engaging in sex after your pregnancy.
Remember that during the healing time there are many things you can do to remain
intimate with your partner other than having sex.
Remember to spend some time together whenever possible, to hold hands and to
remind each other that you are in this together. Doing so will ensure a long
lasting and fulfilling sexual relationship both during and after pregnancy.
