Sex Drive During Pregnancy: Changes in Desires, and Tips

Pregnancy is marked by many physical, emotional, and hormonal changes in a woman’s body, each playing a significant role in shaping her experience. These changes, especially in hormone levels, cause fluctuating moods, heightened cravings for particular foods, and even an increased dislike for certain people or smells. One important aspect of a woman’s daily life that is subject to such fluctuation is the want for sex, often referred to as sex drive while pregnant. There will be some days when you might not want your partner to even touch you, and there will be some days when you experience an early pregnancy increased sex drive. This variation is completely normal and can be influenced by different factors. Understanding these shifts can help both partners navigate intimacy with patience and care.

Factors That Increase Sex Drive During Pregnancy

In addition to the hormonal changes, there are various other factors that are responsible for a high sex drive during pregnancy.

1. Increased Blood Flow to the Genital Area

Enhanced circulation to the pelvic region makes the vagina and clitoris more sensitive, leading to stronger arousal and more intense orgasms for some women. This engorgement, similar to what happens during regular arousal but more pronounced, can make sexual stimulation feel more pleasurable. Some women even report experiencing orgasms more easily or powerfully during pregnancy due to this increased sensitivity (1).

2. Fuller and More Sensitive Breasts

Pregnancy causes the breasts to swell and become more tender due to hormonal shifts. For some women, this increased sensitivity can heighten sexual pleasure and desire. The areolas often darken and the nipples become more erect, which some partners find visually arousing. However, it’s important to note that while some women enjoy this enhanced sensation, others may find breast stimulation uncomfortable during pregnancy.

3. Emotional Connection & Relationship Satisfaction

The emotional bond between partners often strengthens during pregnancy, leading to increased intimacy. Feeling loved and supported can boost a woman’s sex drive while pregnant. Many couples report feeling more connected as they prepare for parenthood together, which can translate to increased sexual desire. The knowledge that they’re creating life together can add a new dimension of passion to their relationship.

4. Reduced Stress About Contraception

Since pregnancy has already occurred, some women feel more relaxed about sex without the worry of birth control, which can lead to increased sex drive early pregnancy. This elimination of “pregnancy risk” can make sex feel more spontaneous and enjoyable. Additionally, some women who previously used hormonal contraception find their natural libido returns when they stop these methods.

5. Improved Body Confidence

Some women feel more attractive and sensual during pregnancy due to natural curves and glowing skin, which can positively influence their sex drive while pregnant. The “pregnancy glow” caused by increased blood flow and oil gland activity can boost self-esteem. Many partners also find pregnant bodies beautiful, and this mutual attraction can further enhance a woman’s sexual confidence and desire.

Sex drive varies during the different trimesters. Many women notice surprising changes in their first trimester sex drive, with some experiencing heightened desire, while others feel too fatigued or nauseous for intimacy. The sex drive in 2nd trimester often rebounds as energy returns and nausea fades, with many couples enjoying this ‘golden period’ of pregnancy before physical discomfort increases later on. By the 3rd trimester sex drive may fluctuate dramatically—some women feel a renewed sense of closeness with their partner, while others prioritise comfort over passion as their belly grows (2).

What Happens When Your Sex Drive Drops While Pregnant

The tricky part about a sex drive during pregnancy is that it can be different for different women. While some feel an increased urge for sex, others might experience a low sex drive during their pregnancy.

The hormonal fluctuations, along with other, continuous changes in the body, can cause nausea and loss of energy, especially during the first three months, resulting in a low or decreased sex drive during early pregnancy.

One should remember that it is completely okay if sex is the last thing on your mind during the initial phase of pregnancy. With so many changes taking place within a short span of time, the desire to avoid sex during pregnancy can at times be overwhelming (3).

Best Tips for Your Pregnancy Sex Drive

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in the life of a couple, and you can definitely use your increased libido to spice up things with your partner as you prepare for the arrival of a new life. Here are some tips that will guide your pregnancy sex drive.

1. Experiment with different sex positions

With the baby bump taking shape, you will have to experiment in order to discover a comfortable and a pleasurable position. The increased estrogen levels will provide natural vaginal lubrication, but issues such as sore pelvic ligaments might call for change in positioning.

2. Let intimacy flow freely

Intimacy while pregnancy is bound to strengthen the bond with your partner as you welcome your baby. Kissing, gentle massages, and touching will help release oxytocin, the love hormone.

3. Cuddle

Pregnancy is a period where you may require additional emotional support and care from your partner. The prenatal hormones can have an impact on your emotions, and may leave you teary-eyed after lovemaking. Feel free to ask your partner for extra cuddles, and explain the importance of the same to him.

4. Prioritise comfort & communication

Use extra pillows for support, try water-based lubricants if needed, and keep an open dialogue with your partner about what feels good. If certain days bring low energy or discomfort, focus on non-sexual affection instead.

5. Embrace the changes

Your body is doing something incredible—fluctuations in desire are normal! Some days you may feel frisky, while others you’ll want rest. Honor your needs without guilt, and remind yourself (and your partner) that this phase is temporary.

6. Seek professional help

In order to overcome the apprehensions and doubts about your sex drive during pregnancy, you can seek professional help by consulting your doctor or midwife. It is always a good idea to let a professional guide you, especially if the sex drive is playing too much on your mind.

Precautions to Take

Although it is considered safe to have sex throughout the pregnancy period, women can experience discomfort and adverse impacts from sex during pregnancy. Women may struggle with issues of fatigue and stress, and may even face some serious medical issues.

Sex might result in spotting or bleeding. If you have a pre-existing condition like placenta previa, having sex can cause severe bleeding episodes. It is best to avoid having sex under such circumstances, and consult the doctor immediately for further help. Sex should be avoided after the water has broken (4).

Does Sex Help Induce Labour?

Although there is no scientific backing to know for sure if sex can speed up the process of labour, there is no harm in trying it out. During an orgasm, woman experience a rhythmical contraction of muscles in the genital area, which can aid in the labour process.

It is a good idea to have unprotected sex as you near your due date, as semen contains prostaglandin, and the body releases oxytocin as you climax. These two chemicals are also used artificially to induce labour, and can be of help to get your labour started. Thus, having sex as you draw closer to your due date can certainly be of some help in hastening the process of delivery (5).

FAQs

1. Can a high sex drive mean you’re having a boy or girl?

Old wives’ tales claim libido changes predict gender (e.g., higher drive = boy due to testosterone), but there’s no scientific proof. Hormonal shifts affect everyone differently, regardless of baby’s sex.

2. Is it safe to use sex toys while pregnant?

Generally yes—but avoid pressure on the belly, opt for body-safe materials, and skip air-pressure toys (like clitoral suction devices) as their safety isn’t well-studied in pregnancy. Always clean toys thoroughly to prevent infections.

This was all about pregnancy and sex drive. While there are a lot of misconceptions that surround sex during pregnancy, it is considered to be safe to practice sex during this period. Sex drive during pregnancy is dependent on various factors, and may vary from one woman to another. While one may feel an uncontrollable sex drive, another might want to avoid sex completely during the same stage of pregnancy.

You should be open to discussing how you feel about sex with your partner, and let them know your expectations. However, in case of any queries or ambiguities in mind regarding sex during pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor and get a complete understanding of the dos and don’ts before you indulge in lovemaking.

References/Resources:

1. American Pregnancy Association – Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

2. March of Dimes – Sex during pregnancy

3. National Library of Medicine – Factors influencing low sexual desire and sexual distress in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

4. Mayo Clinic – Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not

5. National Library of Medicine – Sexual intercourse for cervical ripening and induction of labour

Also Read:

Sex Positions in Pregnancy
Benefits of Sex in Pregnancy
Anal Sex during Pregnancy
How to Have Sex During 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

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