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Sexual Drive During Pregnancy: An Overview

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A woman's sex drive may be influenced by changes in the body and hormones during pregnancy.

Written by

Dr. Palak Jain

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Obinna Ugwuoke

Published At March 8, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 12, 2024

Introduction

During pregnancy, the body will go through a tornado of unprecedented emotions, sensations, and sentiments. There is an increase in blood flow and hormonal fluctuations. Many women also report feeling more hungry and having larger breasts. It is critical to remember that each woman's pregnancy experience is unique. However, certain physiological patterns are typical. Women may experience changes in their mood, eating habits, sleeping patterns, weight, and sex drive. Some women report that the second trimester is significantly easier on them after experiencing nausea, vomiting, and tiredness during the early stages of pregnancy. There will likely be a return of hunger, increased libido, and self-restoring energy.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Women's Sex Life?

1. Fluctuations in Hormones

An increase in progesterone and estrogen levels marks the first trimester of pregnancy.

Early pregnancy symptoms that may lessen the urge for sexual activity include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations.

  • Tiredness.

  • Queasiness.

  • Breast sensitivity.

During week ten, these elevated hormone levels will begin to decline. Women are likely to feel less exhausted and queasy by then. An increase in sex drive may accompany first-trimester symptoms. Women begin to feel more energetic and rhythmic. Additional symptoms, including back discomfort and weight gain, may also lower sexual drive later in the third trimester. Every woman's body reacts to pregnancy differently. Women anticipate unparalleled physiological alterations in the body as it prepares for the baby. A woman's body may turn off due to weariness and weight gain, but some women may have a stronger desire for sex. However, some people would not notice a difference in their libido before they were pregnant.

2. Women’s Breasts Will Be More Sensitive, With Increased Blood Flow

Blood flow increases during pregnancy, particularly to the vulva, breasts, and sexual organs. Easy arousal and enhanced sensitivity are associated with increased blood flow. This is a very typical occurrence. It frequently leads to a more enjoyable sexual encounter with the spouse. Some women may have breast leakage, which is not a worry. The body constantly evolves, so do not be surprised by these new developments.

3. Libido May Increase

In the latter half of the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, many women report feeling more lustful. A hypersensitive clitoris brought on by increased genital blood flow and enhanced vaginal lubrication accompany this increased libido. Staying connected physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout pregnancy can be achieved through sex.

4. Emotional Liberty Will Be Experienced by Women

A woman's pregnancy is a special period in their life. For many women, this may be incredibly liberating. They let go of their insecure, compulsive body criticism and simply embraced their expanding voluptuous shape. Pregnancy intimacy can also result in a more at-ease and personal version because there is no need to worry about contraception. Adopting an optimistic outlook and celebrating the developments is highly beneficial. This will ultimately result in a healthier body for the developing child and a healthier sexual life. It will also lower the stress levels.

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?

Pregnancy does not pose any risks for having sex. The unborn child would not suffer from having sex. A penetrating sex toy or penis cannot pass through the vagina. That said, it is common for a pregnant woman's sex urge to shift. Women should discuss this with their sexual partners, but it is not something to be alarmed about. Orgasms and sexual activity during pregnancy do not raise the risk of early labor or miscarriage in women whose pregnancies are normal and without difficulties.

When to Avoid Sex in Pregnancy?

Women will also be told not to have sex:

  • If a woman has experienced significant bleeding throughout the pregnancy, the doctor will likely urge women to refrain from having sex. If there is an accumulation of blood (hematoma) or a low placenta, sex may raise the chance of more bleeding.

  • Water Breach - The danger of infection may increase since the waters have been breached.

  • Women may be more susceptible to miscarriage or early labor if there are issues with the cervix (the opening to the womb).

  • Women in their later stages of pregnancy are either having twins or have previously gone into early labor.

How to Deal with Low Libido During Pregnancy?

It takes openness, acceptance of oneself, and communication to deal with libido loss. If women are honest about their feelings and experiences, both physically and emotionally, their partner can empathize with the impact hormones have on the body. Telling the spouse if the woman does not feel sexy and trying not to brush off any comments could be an attempt to be supportive right away.

  • Get Intimate in Different Ways - Try other intimate activities, like giving each other a massage or back rub if women does not have the energy for sexual activity.

  • Get Adequate Sleep - Make an effort to obtain eight hours of sleep each night. Over time, getting too little sleep can accumulate and make it harder to want or even be able to have sex.

  • Pay Attention to Physical Health - Strive to eat healthfully and exercise. Moreover, energy and confidence levels can be raised by these two factors.

  • Explore Many Intimate Poses - It is important to avoid feeling self-conscious or letting one's size affect one's ability to have sex. Rather, concentrate on what is physically cozy. Try various pregnancy-safe sex positions, like a woman on top or side-to-side (to avoid putting additional strain on the abdomen).

Conclusion

Pregnancy naturally increases a woman's libido or sex drive. A pregnant woman's sex drive may be severely hampered by several circumstances, even if increased blood flow to the breasts and genitalia might improve sensitivity and the possibility of arousal. Prolonged pregnancy can cause minor contractions that are triggered by intercourse, orgasm, or both. Women will feel the contraction of their uterine muscles in this situation. These can be rather uncomfortable and are referred to as Braxton hicks contractions, but there is no reason to be alarmed since they are quite normal. Women may want to try lying down or practicing relaxation techniques to relieve contractions.

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Dr. Obinna Ugwuoke
Dr. Obinna Ugwuoke

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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