Keeping Your Sex Drive Alive in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is marked by many physical, emotional, and hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These changes, especially in the hormone levels, cause fluctuating moods, heightened cravings for particular foods, and even an increased dislike for people! One important aspect of a woman’s daily life that is subject to such fluctuation is the want for sex. There will be some days when you might not want your partner to even touch you, and there will be some days when you want to go all the way!

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.

Many women experience an increase in libido during early pregnancy stages, which is accompanied by enhanced lubrication of the vagina and hypersensitive clitoris. The increased flow of blood to the genital area makes it more sensitive, thereby increasing the pleasure quotient.

The breasts become fuller during pregnancy, resulting in increased sensitivity, which also contributes to increased sex drive during pregnancy in women.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Also Read: How to Have Sex During 1st Trimester of Pregnancy