Sexuality and Pregnancy

Pregnancy may have an effect on both the male and female sexual response.  Women may find they have a greater or lesser sexual drive and some women see no change at all.  Both mental and physical changes occurring with pregnancy and after delivery may affect sexuality.

Hormone changes cause breast tenderness, nausea, and fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy.  The woman may look the same but she feels physically and emotionally different.  During this time, women may have a decreased desire for intercourse.  Some couples may be afraid that having sex will cause a miscarriage, harm the baby, or start labor.  However, sex is very safe during pregnancy.  The baby is well cushioned by amniotic fluid.  It is important for partners to share their feelings and concerns with each other or their health care provider.

In the second trimester, the woman may be feeling physically much better so her sexual desire may increase.  Couples have usually discovered by this time that sex will not harm the baby.  Since the woman now looks pregnant, her partner may develop some concerns about having sex with his wife-lover-friend who is now going to be a “mother”.  Again sharing emotions is very helpful.  For comfort reasons, you and your partner may want to try different sexual positions, such as woman on top, side by side, or rear entry.

Most couples will note a decrease in sexual frequency in the third trimester.  The woman’s size plays a role.  It is difficult to lie on her back and just moving around is tiring.  Alternatives to sexual intercourse are helpful at this time (i.e., holding, hugging, stroking, or mutual masturbation).

Your doctor may advise you to limit or avoid sex if there are signs of problems in your pregnancy.  This may include vaginal bleeding, ruptured membranes, or early labor.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004