WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Navigating Sexual Well-being During Pregnancy

Pregnancy
Sexuality and pregnancy
Navigating Sexual Well-being During Pregnancy
Camille Bataillon
Sexologist
Pregnancy is a journey of profound transformation that encompasses not just your body but also your emotions and desires.
What You Should Know
During pregnancy, both your body and mind undergo significant changes that can affect your sexual desire and comfort.
It's common to experience fluctuations in libido, with some periods marked by increased desire and others by a lack of interest.
Some individuals may lose all desire for their partner during pregnancy, while others may experience it intermittently.
Preferences for self-pleasure, enjoying sexuality together, or both can vary. Every situation is unique.
These changes are perfectly normal and vary widely among pregnant individuals.
Factors such as physical discomfort, body image concerns, the quality of the relationship, stress, and worries about the baby's safety during sexual activity can also play a significant role.
Recognizing that these experiences are part of pregnancy and being able to communicate openly can help alleviate stress and foster a healthier emotional and physical connection with your partner.
Safety Guideline
When it comes to intimacy during pregnancy, safety is a priority.
Most forms of sexual activity are safe for couples having a normal pregnancy without complications.
You can engage in penetrative or non-penetrative sex and still experience a great deal of pleasure.
However, it's essential to listen to your body and adjust activities to ensure comfort and avoid any positions or actions that feel uncomfortable.
Consulting with your healthcare provider about any specific concerns can provide personalized advice and reassurance, ensuring that your intimate life is both satisfying and safe during this special time.
Simple Tips and Tricks
  • Communicate Openly: Share your feelings, desires, and any discomforts with your partner. Open dialogue can help find mutual understanding and adjust your intimate life to suit both of your needs.
  • Experiment with Comfort: Explore different positions and types of intimacy that feel good for both of you, keeping in mind that what works may change as your pregnancy progresses.
  • Focus on Non-Sexual Intimacy: Intimacy isn't just about sex. Holding hands, massages, and spending quality time together can also strengthen your bond. Remember, sexual connection isn't limited to penetration. Enjoy exploring different forms of pleasure together. Have fun!
  • Self-Care: Taking care of your body image and emotional well-being can positively impact your sexual health. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself and relax.
Q&As
  • Is it normal for my sexual desire to change during pregnancy? Yes, it's completely normal for your sexual desire to fluctuate due to hormonal and psychological changes, among other factors related to pregnancy. Every pregnancy and individual situation is unique. It's important to discuss these changes together.
  • How can we maintain intimacy if I'm not interested in sex? Connection in relationships can take various forms. Intimacy is just one aspect. Reflect individually and then together on the activities and experiences that strengthen your relationship. Focus on non-sexual forms of intimacy and communicate openly with your partner about your feelings and needs.
  • Are there specific sexual activities we should avoid? While most sexual activities are safe, avoid any that cause discomfort or pain. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
  • What if I feel differently about my body? It's common to experience changes in body image during pregnancy. Communicate your feelings with your partner, engage in activities that feel good for you, and practice self-care routines that boost your confidence and comfort.
The more you listen to your body, prioritize your well-being, and communicate with a receptive partner, the better equipped you'll be to accept and adapt to any changes.
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Kaykay
9 Apr 2023

I went from being a single (abandoned) mom TWICE, to being in a relationship, planned baby and supportive partner. 💜🤞 I'm so happy I finally get to experience not being alone during pregnancy, it's so relieving.

Pregnancy Sexuality and pregnancy
2 comments
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Brittany
Omg same here I swear this is the best feeling 🤰🏾🤰🏾🥰🥰
27 Mar 2024

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Naima
25 Sep 2022

I got a question..during my pregnancy I have been up and down about being sexual with my partner. But now I’m my third trimester it is like a complete NO I don’t even think about it and I don’t have the urge & it causes arguments sometimes because he doesn’t understand why I’m never in the mood & I really don’t understand either honestly🤷🏽‍♀️. SOMEBODY HELP????

Pregnancy Sexuality and pregnancy
11 comments
C
Courtenie Danielle Hensley
Babygirl let me tell ya I wasn’t EVER in the mood with any of my pregnancies lol 😂 I’m like please don’t you dare touch me, I’m a beach whale and I would like to be left alone thank you lol 😂 it’s our hormones honey, we don’t want to have a ding dong up in our who ha knowing we bout to push a 6 pound and up baby out of it, your prefectly fine it’s normal, but with me at the end I was just having sex to help me dilate lol 😂 cause I wasn’t going anywhere but I didn’t want to have it lol I was in pain and moody it’s completely normal to not want it love & men won’t understand why because men don’t carry babies, and we go through moods and they have to understand that all the time we don’t want to have sex like we used to and they gonna be okay with it and usually they are at times
27 Mar 2024

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Lauren
Every pregnancy is different; that being said my first pregnancy I was down for it and so was my husband. Now my second pregnancy nope I wanted nothing to do with being sexually active. My poor husband went all 9 months with nothing happening. I believe for me it was a hormone difference, my first was a boy and my second was a girl. Now that I'm postpartum I'm right back to feeling ready and wanting but of course I have to wait the 6 weeks for clearance. So talk to him about how your hormones have changed and they control your desire or lack there of.
27 Mar 2024

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Ani
24 Jun 2022

I’m a first time mom navigating my first pregnancy, ever 🥹🥰 I’ve had my first appointment and ultrasound at 9 weeks and will attending my next appointment at 13 weeks. Any moms with insight as to what I should expect at my monthly appointments?

Pregnancy Sexuality and pregnancy
2 comments
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Karissa
They are short and sweet. Measure, check heart rate and that’s it.
27 Mar 2024

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Karissa
That’s pretty much what all your appts are going to be. Boring and quick.
27 Mar 2024

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