Pregnancy is a time of change and adjustment that affects all aspects of a woman’s life, including her sexual relationship.
Is sex during pregnancy safe?
In general, sex is safe. However, your health care provider may advise you to avoid sexual intercourse if you:
- Have previously miscarried
- Experience bleeding in the first trimester
- Have a low-lying placenta
- Have a history of premature labor
- Have a lot of contractions in the last month of pregnancy
- Have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Does sexual desire change during pregnancy?
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Does sexual desire change during pregnancy?
Your sexual desire and comfort level with sex may change because of all the physical and emotional changes that you are experiencing.
These changes may include:
First trimester
- Certain parts of your body, such as your breasts, may become more sensitive. Some find this uncomfortable while others find it pleasurable.
- Morning sickness, feeling tired and feeling physically uncomfortable can also make a woman less interested in sex.
Second trimester
- Pain and discomfort such as backaches, soreness and tenderness around the breasts and belly may affect sexual desire
- For many women, sexual desire increases during this stage of pregnancy
- Stimulating the breasts can cause a fluid (colostrum) to come out. This is normal.
Third trimester
- Sexual desire may decrease because of feeling tired, feeling ‘big’ and concerns about giving birth
- You might feel the baby move after you have an orgasm, but having an orgasm will not harm the baby
- Vaginal penetration may be uncomfortable as the baby moves into the pelvis in the 9th month. Shallow and slow penetration or sex play without penetration may be more pleasurable.
Will sex start labor?
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Will sex start labor?
- Not unless you are ready to go into labor already or are at risk of premature labor.
Tips on having sex during pregnancy
- Uncomfortable? Try positions you do not normally use, and use pillows to help support where needed. When the baby is engaged in the pelvis, the woman can try lying, crouching, or kneeling with her back to her partner so he enters her from behind.
- Too tired? Try the morning, afternoon, or a time when you are more rested.
- Breasts leaking? Try wearing a padded nursing bra.
- Remember, sex doesn’t always mean sexual intercourse; intimacy also includes touching, kissing, licking, massage, masturbation, intercourse and oral sex.
- Throughout pregnancy, air should not be blown into the vagina during oral sex to avoid complications.
My partner is pregnant. What should I do?
Ask your partner about her comfort levels, be gentle with her and respect what she wants at each stage of the pregnancy. Your own interest in sex might also be affected by the pregnancy so be sure to talk with your partner about your feelings.
Communication between you and your partner is very important to ensuring that your sexual relationship is comfortable and satisfying at all times.
