Sex During Pregnancy
Facebook 
Get Our Newsletter! 
Print
How Does Pregnancy Affect My Sex Life?
Many women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more than they did before they became pregnant. This sex drive is caused by hormonal changes. For some women, newfound voluptuousness can play a role in making them feel sexier than ever.
Other women may find that their sex drive comes in waves while pregnant. Here are some common changes you may find throughout your stages of pregnancy.
First Trimester
* The first 3 months of pregnancy are often accompanied by physical symptoms that can lower your interest in sex.
* Symptoms such as feeling tired, nauseated, soreness in the breasts and the frequent need to go to the bathroom can make sex seem bothersome.
Second Trimester
* By the time you reach your second trimester, the nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness have usually gone away or are much more manageable.
* Your belly is growing but it’s still small enough to comfortably engage in sexual activity.
* You may even have more desire for sex! Women gain about 3 pounds of blood during pregnancy, and most of that blood flow is directed below the waist line.
* Some women find the increased blood flow increases their ability to have an orgasm—even more than once.
Love this beautifully organized baby closet- spotted at Shop 4 Mum and Bub 
Comment by ThirdTimer on Jun 01 2009 06:48:30:
There are lots of myths about sex and pregnancy, such as:
* Sex can be harmful or painful during pregnancy. …
This line automatically discredited the article for me. Especially since later, the statement is qualified by “…as long as you don’t have these risk factors.”
Out of three pregnancies, I have experienced painful sex in all, usually stemming from an orgasm. Though it may not happen every time, it can and does happen. In one case, I delivered preterm (which could be deemed “harmful”).
I will be the first to perpetuate the “myth” that sex can induce labor, even if you’re not “ready” or full term. It may not be the only factor in a successful induction, but it can be the deciding factor.
Both of my previous pregnancies (as well as at least 3 of my friends’ & relatives’) have ended after a night of sex. I’d even venture to say that the better the sex, the more likely the chance of causing contractions, which can lead to labor.
I think the most important thing about sex during pregnancy is to trust your gut. If something’s not feeling right, don’t hesitate to stop. Frustrating as it might be, it’s not worth pushing the matter. And be attentive to your body post-sex. If you feel “heavy” all day the next day or otherwise feel braxton hicks coming on, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
I’m somewhat surprised that the March of Dimes (who claim to be committed to finding and eliminating the causes of preterm births) would gloss over this topic. But then again, they fail to acknowledge the link between preterm births and previous abortions.
Comment by brad on Jun 03 2009 05:02:43:
@thirdtimer
You can’t discredit the article, which is obviously oriented toward a general audience, because of your individual experience. Sorry that you had to experience that, but not every woman will react the same way you do.