Sex During Pregnancy

 

Q; Can I have sex during pregnancy?

Yes! With a normal pregnancy, the answer is a ‘big’ YES. Sex during pregnancy is good for your relationship now and after your baby has arrived. But if you’re having any complications like placenta praevia or bleeding or any history of cervical weakness, then you must consult your doctor first.

Q; I’ve observed that my husband’s sex drive have changed since my pregnancy. Sometimes he says he’s scared of hurting the baby but I
feel he doesn’t find me attractive anymore. Generally, does sex drive change with pregnancy?

It might. It’s not uncommon for men to feel just as sexually attracted to their partner in the first two

trimesters but then to feel less interested in sex in the third trimester . This doesn’t mean necessarily that he doesn’t find you attractive anymore. Your partner’s desire may be dampened by fear that sex can hurt the baby. Or he may be worried about you and your unborn baby’s health, be feeling apprehensive about the burdens of parenthood, or even self-consciousness about making love in the

presence of your unborn child.

Q; I just got married and I’m thinking of waiting for about a year before getting pregnant because I feel I won’t enjoy sex as much with my husband during pregnancy. But my friend says I’m wrong. My question is, will it feel as good?

It depends on individual. For some women, it’s even better and not as good for others. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the genitals and heighten the sensation. But the same engorgement gives other women an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after intercourse ends. Sometimes, women find sex painful during pregnancy. Also, some women feel abdominal cramps during or after intercourse because orgasm can set off a wave of contractions, which can be particularly noticeable in the third trimester. This can be off-putting but give it a few minutes and the tightening of your uterus will ease; just like they do with Braxton Hicks contractions.

Q; My wife is ten weeks pregnant and has not been responding towards my sexual advances of late. She always says she’s not in the mood. Is this normal?

Yes! The big changes in your body are bound to change your sex life. Some women, finally free from worries about conception and contraception, feel sexier than ever. But others are too tired or nauseated to make love, especially in the first trimester. Some women find that their libido is at a high in the second trimester but with any stage of pregnancy there is a wide variety in how women feel and how sexually active couples are. Desire often wanes again in the third trimester as birth, labour and your belly  loom large, or you may simply feel unattractive or  worried as to whether your partner is satisfied  sexually. All these feelings and experiences are normal, but also remember everyone is different  and it’s just as normal to experience either more or less desire during pregnancy.