Sex and Pregnancy

sex in pregnancy: the ultimate guide



Too sick to want to? Not sure if you even still can? Whether you can't wait to try it or you're scared you might hurt the baby, one thing is for sure; sex during pregnancy is a whole new experience. Separate the myths from the facts right here. And get ready to have some fun again! Read more

Whether you're up for it or feeling too tired or sick, there's no escaping the fact that sex during pregnancy is a whole new experience. Some women report that it's the best they've ever had, while others are less than enthusiastic. Of course, both responses are completely normal. Let's find out why.

If you're the woman who is experiencing sex like never before, your pregnant body holds the clue. This heightened pleasure and libido can probably be attributed to the increased blood flow to the pelvic area – including the uterus, vagina and clitoris – where more sensitive nerve endings live. Or, it may be that you finally feel free from the worries about conception and contraception – where a bedroom free of condoms, pills, gels, or diaphragms means no fuss, hassle-free, spontaneous sex. If you find yourself on the other end of the spectrum - where sex isn't even on the radar now that you're pregnant – you're not alone.

The same engorgement that can push some women over the edge of pleasure can give others an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or even abdominal cramping during or after sex. You may be just too darn tired or nauseated to make love – or even care. This really rings true in the first trimester – when early discomforts like breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting and fatigue can lessen your sex drive. Emotionally, a woman may feel less desirable now that she's pregnant or her thoughts may turn inward toward the baby and less to her own pleasure. But things should pick up once you're past the early part of pregnancy. In fact, for many women, the second trimester ushers in a renewed energy and desire for sex. In the last trimester your appetite may wane again as impending labour, delivery, and your belly loom large. And by this point, some women just feel too big and unattractive to even worry about sex.

But what about how the father-to-be feels? Your partner probably finds you sexier than ever. In fact, his desire may actually grow as you and the baby do. The luckiest men are thrilled with the changes pregnancy brings to their sex life. A new voluptuousness in their partner – including larger, fuller breasts and belly – are a real turn-on for many men. But just as some women have reservations about sex in pregnancy, your partner may as well. His desire may be dampened by his concern for you and the baby's health, apprehension and anxiety about becoming a new father, fear that sex can hurt the baby, or even self-consciousness about making love in the presence of your unborn child.


Here are the most common myths about having sex during pregnancy:

Myth #1 ~ Having sex will cause premature labour
Although no medical evidence exists to show sex causes labour – or miscarriage – stimulation of the breasts can speed up the production of oxytocin – a chemical that can cause contractions when you near your due date. But wait. As pregnancy progresses, you'll discover that you can – and indeed will – have all sorts of minute contractions without going into labour. This is an absolutely normal part of pregnancy. And although sex is totally safe until the day you deliver – your doctor or midwife may decide to limit sex if your pregnancy is considered high risk. This includes women with a previous history of premature labour, early cervical dilation, placenta previa, premature rupture of the membranes or vaginal bleeding or pain during intercourse.