Sex during pregnancy is a subject that is not often discussed even though there are obvious changes to your body that may alter your sexual relationship with your partner.
During the first three months, nausea, vomiting and tiredness may cause women to be less interested in sex. Often there is anxiety about somehow harming the baby or causing a miscarriage even though it is not possible for sexual intercourse to cause harm to your baby.
In the middle months of the pregnancy, the movement of the baby can influence the partner's sexual feelings. During this time you will begin to look pregnant. Some women feel attractive with the "blooming" of the swelling abdomen and fuller breasts, others may feel unattractive and fear that they will never look "feminine" again. Partners may react in different ways too and this may influence the way you feel and your sexual desire.
After your baby is born, the uterus and vagina recover quickly with any sutures dissolving within fourteen days. Vaginal blood loss should be less by fourteen days after the birth. The return of your sexual drive may be influenced by tiredness, whether you have had a caesarean section, swollen breasts and milk leakage and feelings of responsibility towards your new baby.
Throughout pregnancy and after the baby is born practise your postnatal exercises as these will assist with the return of vaginal sensitivity. It is important to discuss how you and your partner are feeling about your changing body shape and feelings. Don't expect each other to automatically know.
If you intend to delay having another baby, it is essential that you seek advice from Family Planning or your doctor about the best method of contraception for you. Breast feeding is no guarantee that you will not fall pregnant again.
Other languages