Your Pregnancy Sex Life

If you're wondering about sex during pregnancy, you're not alone! Intimacy during pregnancy often comes with a mix of emotions, questions, and maybe even some concerns, mama. Many expecting parents have questions about safety, changing comfort levels, and how to maintain intimacy during this transformative time. 

Whether you're feeling more interested in sex than ever before or finding yourself less enthusiastic than usual, know that your feelings are completely valid. Let's talk openly about what you might experience and how to navigate your pregnancy sex life.

Speaking of sexual health, these two popular myths need to be addressed, too: 

This simply isn't true, mama! Your baby is safely cushioned inside your uterus, and the penis (or any toys you might use) doesn't come anywhere near them.

Nope! While sex late in pregnancy might help prepare your body for labor when you're already close to your due date (thanks to the prostaglandins in semen and the mild contractions from orgasms), it won't cause preterm labor in a healthy pregnancy.

(And if you’re interested in learning more pregnancy myths, check out our blog Old Wives’ Tales for Pregnant Mamas: Fact, Fiction, or Just Fun?)

Those early weeks of pregnancy can be a rollercoaster for your sex life, mama! Morning sickness (which, let's be honest, often lasts all day) might make you feel anything but sexy, and the extreme fatigue that comes with growing a tiny human can leave you wanting nothing more than to catch some extra Z's. Your breasts might feel unusually sensitive or tender, and even your favorite positions might suddenly feel uncomfortable. Some mamas also experience a heightened sense of smell during this time, which can make close contact challenging. All of these changes are completely normal and temporary—your body is doing incredible work right now!

It's also common to experience mixed emotions about sex during these early weeks. Some women find their sex drive increases significantly, while others might feel too anxious about their new pregnancy to be interested in intimacy. You might even experience both ends of the spectrum in the same week! Hormonal changes play a big role here, but so do the emotional aspects of processing this major life change.

Welcome to what many couples consider the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy! As morning sickness typically subsides and your energy levels begin to recover, you might find yourself feeling more like your pre-pregnancy self. The second trimester often brings increased blood flow to your pelvic area, which can lead to heightened sensation and even more intense orgasms for some women. Your growing bump is likely visible but not yet large enough to make movement difficult, and some women experience a surge in sex drive during this time thanks to hormonal changes and increased blood flow throughout the body.

However, this trimester also brings its own unique considerations! Your growing belly might mean you need to start experimenting with different positions for comfort. Some women experience spotting after sex during this time due to the increased blood flow to the cervix. (While this is usually normal, always mention any bleeding to your healthcare provider.) 

You might also notice new sensations during sex, or find that things that used to feel good now feel different or even uncomfortable. This is all normal and part of your body's amazing ability to adapt to pregnancy, but it might take some time to figure out what works best for you now.

As your baby grows and your body continues to change, sexual intercourse during the third trimester often requires some creativity and patience. Your larger belly might make some positions uncomfortable or impractical, and you might find yourself dealing with new challenges like heartburn or shortness of breath during intimate moments. The pressure of your growing uterus can also affect blood flow and sensation in your pelvic area, potentially changing how things feel or how easily you reach orgasm. And, as we noted above, some women also experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently after orgasm during this trimester—while this is normal, it might feel a bit unsettling at first.

This is also a time when many couples feel a mix of emotions about sex. You might feel sexy and empowered in your pregnant body one day, and uncomfortable or unwieldy the next. The key is to keep communication open with your partner and remember that whatever you're feeling is valid. Whether you're craving more intimacy or prefer to express your connection in other ways, there's no "right" way to approach sex during these final weeks of pregnancy.

Your body is doing something incredible right now, mama, and with that comes a variety of physical changes that can affect your sexual desire and experience of intimacy. Your growing belly, changing breasts, and shifting center of gravity might mean positions that were once comfortable now need some adjustment! Some women feel incredibly sensual and connected to their changing bodies during pregnancy, while others might struggle with their new shape or experience sensitivity about their changing appearance. Both reactions—and everything in between—are completely normal parts of the pregnancy journey.

This is a perfect time to practice open communication with your partner about how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally. Remember that while you're experiencing these changes firsthand, your partner might also be adjusting to new ways of touching and holding you. They might need guidance about what feels good and what doesn't, or reassurance that they won't hurt you or the baby.

Your relationship with physical touch might also change during pregnancy, and that's okay! As your body works hard to grow your little one, you might find yourself feeling "touched out" some days—and that’s 100% normal and okay. There are many ways to express affection: 

Between prenatal appointments, your growing bump, and all the physical changes happening in your body, you might sometimes feel like you need more personal space—or conversely, you might crave more physical connection than usual. The key is recognizing that these feelings can fluctuate and communicating your needs to your partner.

Physical intimacy encompasses so much more than just sex, and pregnancy can be a wonderful time to explore other ways of staying connected with your partner. Simple acts of intimacy like holding hands, sharing gentle massages, or just spending time cuddling can help maintain your bond when traditional forms of sex don't feel right. 

Creating comfortable moments for physical connection might take some creativity, but there are plenty of options to explore. Supportive pillows can help make various positions more comfortable, while focusing on outercourse or mutual masturbation might feel better during certain stages of pregnancy. This is a perfect time to communicate with your partner about different approaches to pleasure that feel good for your changing body.

The emotional aspects of intimacy often become even more important during pregnancy. Taking time to share your thoughts about becoming parents, discussing your hopes and dreams for your family, or simply checking in about each other's feelings can create meaningful connections. Some couples find that activities like reading pregnancy books together, attending birthing classes, or working on nursery preparations provide opportunities for emotional bonding when physical intimacy feels challenging.

One of the most frequent concerns from expecting parents involves spotting or light bleeding after sex. While this can be alarming, it's often normal and caused by increased blood flow to your cervix during pregnancy. However, it's always important to mention any bleeding to your healthcare provider, as they can best assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance. They can also help you understand what warning signs might indicate a need to pause sexual activity.

Many parents-to-be also worry about their changing libido during pregnancy. Some women experience significant increases in their sex drive, while others find their interest in sex decreases—and these changes can fluctuate throughout pregnancy. These variations are completely normal and often tied to hormonal changes, physical comfort levels, and emotional factors. 

If you're concerned about significant changes in your sex drive or experiencing persistent discomfort during intimacy, don't hesitate to discuss these issues with your healthcare provider.

Another common question involves the safety of different sexual positions during pregnancy. While most positions are safe as long as they're comfortable for you, you'll likely need to make adjustments as your pregnancy progresses. Some general guidelines include avoiding positions that put pressure on your belly or require you to lie flat on your back for extended periods (particularly in later pregnancy). 

Listen to your body and don't hesitate to experiment with modifications using pillows for support or trying side-lying positions that might be more comfortable as your bump grows.

Supporting your pregnant partner's comfort during intimate moments involves both physical and emotional considerations. Physical comfort might mean helping arrange pillows for support, being mindful of pressure on sensitive areas, or adjusting room temperature to accommodate the increased body heat many pregnant women experience. It's also important to remember that positions or touches that were once favorites might now feel uncomfortable or even painful. Stay attentive to your partner's verbal and non-verbal cues, and always prioritize open communication about comfort levels.

Understanding the emotional changes that come with pregnancy can help you better support your partner during intimate moments. Pregnancy hormones can affect mood, energy levels, and sexual desire in ways that might seem unpredictable. Some days your partner might feel incredibly sensual and connected to their changing body, while other days they might feel vulnerable or unsure. Your role isn't to fix these feelings but to provide consistent emotional support and understanding. Remember that listening without judgment and offering reassurance can be just as important as physical intimacy.

Being patient and flexible with changing needs is perhaps one of the most valuable ways partners can show support during pregnancy. This might mean being ready to shift gears if something that felt good yesterday doesn't work today, or being understanding if your partner's energy levels or interest in sex fluctuate.

Every pregnancy is unique, and there's no “right” way to experience intimacy during these months. What matters most is maintaining open communication with your partner and honoring your own needs and comfort levels.

If you have concerns about sex during your pregnancy, don't hesitate to bring them up with your healthcare provider. They've heard it all before and can offer personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

Your changing relationship with intimacy during pregnancy is just one part of your transformation into parenthood. By staying connected with your partner, honoring your body's needs, and reaching out for support when you need it, you can navigate these changes while building an even stronger foundation for your growing family.