Sex Drive
During Pregnancy
Sex drive during pregnancy is strangely rarely
discussed. While there is a
lot of talk about sex before pregnancy as well as when to get back to
having
sex after birth, there is not a lot of talk about sex during those
special nine
months.
There is no doubt that your sex life will change
at some level during pregnancy,
if in no other way than positioning, it is still possible to have a
fulfilling
sexual relationship.
Is It Safe to
Have Sex During Pregnancy?
Absolutely! There
is no question that
as long as the pregnancy is going well, sex is considered safe and even
beneficial during all stages of the pregnancy.
There are some cases however when there are
complications that sex is not
completely safe. It is important to talk to your doctor, midwife, or
other health
care provider if you're uncertain about whether you fall into this
category.
There is also the chance that you may lose your
sex drive during pregnancy. Many
expectant mothers find that their libido
fluctuates during certain
stages in
the pregnancy. As their bellies grow, sex can become uncomfortable. A
woman in
the late stages of pregnancy may also feel that her mind is preoccupied
with
the arrival of her child, and sex can take a back seat.
On the other hand, many women claim that their sex
drive becomes insatiable
during pregnancy. The
hormones can make
a women and libido
run wild.
The most important thing is that you and your
partner communicate your
feelings and needs. This
will ensure
that the pregnancy doesn’t negatively impact your relationship.
An Increase Sex
Drive during
Pregnancy
It is quite normal for your libido to wax and wane during pregnancy.
During the first trimester, many women find that their sex drive
diminishes
significantly due to rapid hormonal changes or morning sickness. Most
women are
also very tired and disinterested in sex during the first trimester.
However,
during the second trimester, there
are a large percentage of women who find that their sex drive increases
dramatically. More blood flows to the vagina and reproductive organs,
which can
make you feel more aroused than normal. Larger breast size and more
voluptuous appearance
may cause you to feel more sexy and attractive. Other women are able to
experience more powerful orgasms during this time.
The
good news is that foods
that increase libido and sex
drive during pregnancy are the same foods that will keep you
healthy and provide nutrients to your unborn child.
When
is it not Safe to have Sex
During Pregnancy
There are two types of sexual acts that aren't
safe for any
pregnant woman:
- If you are having oral sex, your partner should
not blow air into your
vagina. Blowing air can cause a blockage of a blood vessel by an air
bubble, which can be potentially fatal for mother and child.
- You should not
have sex with a partner whose sexual history is you are unsure of, as
you could contract sexually transmitted diseases that can have
potentially dangerous consequences for you and your baby.
If
your doctor,
nurse-midwife, or other pregnancy health care provider anticipates or
detects
certain significant complications with your pregnancy, he or she is
likely to
recommend that you don’t have sexual intercourse. The
most common risk
factors include:
- A history or threat of miscarriage
- A history of pre-term labor
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or
cramping
- Leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that
surrounds the baby)
- Placenta previa, a condition in which the
placenta (the blood-rich structure that nourishes the baby) is situated
down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
- When the cervix weakened and dilates (opens)
prematurely, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery
- You are carrying twins or triplets
However, it is important that you don’t become
paranoid about having sex
during pregnancy, as it is for the most part totally natural. Your baby is fully protected
by the amniotic
sac and fluids and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also a
thick mucus
plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis
never
comes into contact with the fetus during sex.
Sex Drive during Pregnancy
It is essential to remember that every woman's sex drive during
pregnancy and
sexual needs are different, and that anything
is possible. Just
go with what feels
right and appropriate for you, talk to a health professional if you are
uncertain, and communicate with your partner. This
is after all one of the most special
times of life.
Return
to the raise libido homepage for a great sex life boost
Lack
of Libido in Women
What
are the best foods
to increase libido?
Which
7 Super
Foods are the Greatest Love Potions?
Find
out more about the Sex Drive Vitamins
Discover
the world's best aphrodisiacs
Exercises
for Libido
|
