Sexuality in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period in which sexuality is changing often. More than 60 studies have been conducted over the last fifty years on the subject of sexuality during pregnancy, allowing us to now have objective data.

Work on sexuality during pregnancy have explored one hand the components of the pregnant woman's sexuality (desire, pleasure, orgasm ...) and secondly, the consequences of reporting on pregnancy and fetus.

Establishment of a new sexuality

In pregnant women, there are several realities: while there may always be erotic sexuality, but also appear in a sex-woman mom (and elsewhere as a partner-dad) with their different emotional experiences, and concerns for the good health of the child.



In the past, in some cultures, sexual intercourse should be more frequent (it was thought that the sperm nourished the fetus). Today, pregnancy is under medical supervision and sex have long been considered by physicians primarily as a potential source of complications of pregnancy. The fear that resulted has played an important role in the changes in sexual behavior of couples.

It is true that the activity and sexual behavior change during pregnancy. Sexual interest may decrease or, conversely, increase, depending on its stage. In any case, fear of harming the child should no longer be an excuse to restrict reporting, provided you follow some precautions.

Abstinence has no reason to be in a normal pregnancy. Instead, continue sexual activity during pregnancy (either by penetration, by petting or otherwise) strengthens the pair bond, prepares a balanced home of the child and reduces the risk of sexual problems in the period following childbirth.

Evolution of desire during pregnancy

The desire often decrease during the first trimester. Fatigue, nausea, drowsiness does not promote sexual interest! In addition, emotionally, the woman saw this new experience very strongly to the presence of the child in it. The couple is still under the effect of the announcement of the pregnancy.

During the second quarter, the desire is variable from one woman to another. If the feeling of well-being and the disappearance of the unpleasant symptoms of early pregnancy promote its revival, body modification, weight gain, fear of harming the child, family socio-image of the pregnant woman especially for the man the image of woman-mother, are all factors that can inhibit the contrary desire. Moreover, some degree of vaginal dryness can be observed. Penetration may be less then pleasant or painful, increasing the fear of harming the baby and reducing the desire.

Ultimately, many women have a desire and sexual activity more than before pregnancy. But in others, decreased desire observed in the first quarter continued in the second.
The third quarter is often associated with sexual disinterest.

The bodily changes are clearer. Reports can become uncomfortable. An orgasm can trigger uterine contractions similar in women at risk of preterm delivery, prompting him to avoid trying to repeat the experience. In the months preceding childbirth, sexual activity is often reduced: for physical reasons already cited are in addition to increased fear induce labor. In fact, in most cases, reports can be pursued without damage to the last days of pregnancy.

Of course the frequency of activity and sex are changing in parallel with the desire. Regarding sexuality fathers, very little objective data exist. One can easily imagine the psychological difficulties associated with this new situation they must adapt to the presence of the child inside the woman. Many men cite the fear of harm in connection with the reports.

Developments of pleasure and orgasm during pregnancy

Developments of pleasure and orgasm during pregnancy vary widely from one woman to another and therefore can not be summarized. Some women consider them lower during pregnancy. Others report more excitement. Some say they have had their first orgasm during pregnancy (especially during the third quarter). Some experience an orgasm during childbirth ...

It is important to understand that this natural variation, revealed by answers to questionnaires, physician experience ... There are no standards in this area. If it is instead recommended to continue having sex during a normal pregnancy, there is not to blame for a decreased desire or pleasure.