Sexual problems and pregnancy
When you're pregnant, there are many physical and emotional factors that can lessen your enjoyment of lovemaking. Fortunately there are very few that actually prevent you from having sex, and these are relatively rare.
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For many women, the most common reason for taking less pleasure in sex is the feeling that your body is becoming less and less attractive to your partner as your pregnancy goes on. Some women become shy and defensive about their appearance, believing that their femininity has gone, and start to feel embarrassed about being seen naked. In fact, the opposite is probably true and most men find their pregnant partners very attractive. Talk to your partner about your fears - he'll probably be astonished that you feel unsure about your appearance.
Loss of libido
While you may find your sex drive increases during pregnancy, it must be said that some women don't feel like making love very often during the first trimester. Morning sickness, which can make you feel thoroughly wretched and unattractive in every way, is one reason for this. Tiredness is another enemy of the libido, and because pregnancy can be exhausting, you may sometimes feel you just don't have enough energy to enjoy sex with your partner. Both morning sickness and tiredness are common problems in the first trimester, although they usually lessen, or disappear, during the second trimester.
Once free of the discomforts of morning sickness and exhaustion, most women find that their interest and pleasure in sex increase in the second trimester. Towards the last weeks of pregnancy, though, libido may wane again as tiredness increases. Sadly, many women feel like beached whales at this time and don't enjoy their rounded beauty. Some may feel shy about stripping bare and making love.
Hormone levels can swing quite violently during pregnancy and you'll probably find yourself emotionally volatile, switching from feeling very contented to sadness and tearfulness, and then to great elation. This is perfectly normal but, of course, it can be difficult for your partner to understand and can disrupt your sexual relationship.
If you do have problems, try to be open with your partner and be honest about your feelings. If you don't want to make love because you feel physically ill or excessively tired, tell your partner the truth. That way he won't feel rejected.
Discomfort
The hormone-controlled changes in your breasts and genitals make them more sensitive and responsive to touch. This increased sensitivity can heighten your sexuality, but can also sometimes cause discomfort. This is especially true of the breasts in early pregnancy, and you may find that they're very tender for the first couple of months. Explain this to your partner and ask him to avoid touching them during love play.
The engorgement of your genitals may also cause some slight discomfort, particularly later in pregnancy, as they remain swollen and aching after orgasm. This can create a feeling of unrelieved fullness, which may make sex less satisfying. Some women find they can overcome this lack of satisfaction by masturbation, especially if they usually tend to have better orgasms through masturbation (by themselves or by their partners) than they do via intercourse.
A common source of discomfort comes when the baby gets bigger and it's difficult for you to make love in the missionary position. Instead, try other lovemaking positions.
Posted 30.06.2010
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