Sexuality and pregnancy: what changes?

The answer is yes! Sexuality and pregnancy are completely compatible, as long as your pregnancy is progressing normally and there are no medical contraindications—which is the case in the majority of pregnancies! Contrary to some beliefs that still persist, having sex during pregnancy poses no risk to your baby. Rest assured: you are not increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. And you won’t hurt your baby either. On the contrary, the well-being you feel after making love will be beneficial for your baby! It is perfectly possible to continue having sexual intercourse until the end of your pregnancy, if you wish and if there are no medical reasons not to.

If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to speak with your gynecologist or midwife, who will be able to advise you on sexuality during pregnancy as well as on the sports you can do while pregnant.

Libido can sometimes be put to the test during pregnancy! Your sex drive will certainly go on a rollercoaster ride over the nine months, and for several reasons: hormonal changes, physical changes, the minor discomforts of pregnancy… Obviously, the evolution of libido is unique to each pregnant woman, but it is important to know that it can be negatively affected, even if nothing is irreversible! (1)

1st trimester of pregnancy

The first three months of pregnancy are often synonymous with fatigue, nausea, and other minor discomforts, which can lower libido. But here again, no generalizations: some women will have no symptoms to disrupt their sex drive.

2nd trimester of pregnancy

It is often said that the 2nd trimester is the time of blooming! The physical discomforts of the first months are over, the belly rounds out slightly, and an influx of blood in the pelvic area can intensify the sex drive. This is generally the period of pregnancy when the pregnant woman's libido is at its maximum. But in some women, the changing body can be difficult to deal with in intimacy and lower desire.

3rd trimester of pregnancy

With childbirth approaching, sexual activity tends to decrease: the belly is heavy, breath is shorter, fatigue is more present, certain positions become complicated… It is time to favor tenderness and cuddling!

The most important thing is to communicate well with your partner, because pregnancy can also disrupt their libido. Express your desires, your fears, what you like or dislike… In short, listen to your respective desires within the couple!

The choice of sexual positions depends on both the couple's desires and the pregnant woman's physical changes. Try to find positions that are comfortable for both of you and do not put pressure on the mother-to-be's belly. Some positions may be suitable in the 1st trimester, but become uncomfortable in the 2nd trimester. And remember that sexual relations are not limited to penetration, so it's time to use your imagination and explore desire in a new way!

Do you have any questions about sexuality during pregnancy? Do you talk about it with your partner? Have you noticed any changes? Share your experiences at contact@biostime.fr or via DM on Instagram @biostimefr so we can support each other and break down the taboos surrounding sexuality and pregnancy!

Source:

(1) Serati M. et al. J Sex Med 2010;7(8):2782-90.