Discussing Sexual Intimacy During Pregnancy
Your sexual desire, much like your physical hunger and energy levels, might fluctuate throughout your pregnancy. With the easing of morning sickness and exhaustion, you could find a renewed desire for physical closeness with your partner. On the other hand, the unfamiliar changes in your body might lead you to shy away from sexual encounters. While these variations are common, many mothers and partners simply don’t know what’s considered normal or what they might experience. And this is why in today’s blog, we aim to dispel some myths.
This period also presents an opportunity to delve into how your perceptions about sex may mirror deeper emotions about your body changes or relationship dynamics. Are you concerned about the effects of sex on your unborn child or struggling to find comfortable positions as your body grows? Let’s dive in!
Myth: Pregnancy inherently enhances a woman's enjoyment of sex.
Reality: With the absence of pregnancy anxiety and potential birth control worries, you might feel freer in your sexual expressions. However, possible changes like nausea and fatigue might also affect your interest in sex. Open communication with your partner about these feelings is important, and consider other forms of affection, like massages or simply holding hands, for emotional and physical connection.
Myth: Men consistently desire sex, even during their partner's pregnancy.
Reality: The reality is that men have individual desires and expressions when it comes to sex. Concerns about potentially harming the baby or the discomfort of feeling the baby move during intimacy are not uncommon. The perception of not being alone with their partner anymore can also affect their desire. Maintaining open communication is key to understanding each other's feelings and finding a balance in your intimate life.
Myth: Avoiding sex in the early stages of pregnancy reduces the risk of miscarriage.
Reality: There is no scientific backing for this belief. Healthcare providers may advise against intercourse in the first trimester in certain cases, like if there has been increased spotting or a history of miscarriages. However, after the first trimester, sexual activity is generally considered safe. Always check with your healthcare provider about when it is safe to resume sexual activities, especially if you've been advised to abstain.
Myth: Sex during pregnancy is risky for the mother or the baby.
Reality: Sexual activity during pregnancy is mainly safe, except under specific conditions such as a high-risk of miscarriage, placenta previa, a history of miscarriages, a sexually transmitted infection, signs of premature labor, or if your waters have released. Unless advised by your healthcare provider, you can enjoy intimacy, taking pleasure in your changing body.
Myth: A growing belly diminishes a woman's interest in sex.
Reality: While a decrease in sexual interest can be common in the first trimester, it often rebounds in the second trimester. As morning sickness and fatigue lessen, and with increased blood flow to the vaginal area, you may experience heightened sexual desire. The expanding belly also invites exploration of new and comfortable sexual positions.
Myth: Sexual activity can induce labor.
Reality: Components in semen and the effects of female orgasm can stimulate labor, but only when your body and baby are already ready for childbirth. If you're at your due date and facing induction, lovemaking might be a more enjoyable method to initiate labor. However, if there are concerns like premature labor, discuss with your healthcare provider whether sexual activity should be avoided.
Myth: Sex becomes too awkward in the later stages of pregnancy.
Reality: As your pregnancy progresses, you might need to adapt your usual sexual routines. Avoid positions that put pressure on your abdomen and explore new ones like side-lying or rear-entry positions. Gentle, slow lovemaking often becomes more appealing and enjoyable during this stage of pregnancy.
