Can I Have Sex While Pregnant?

Many couples wonder whether it's safe or healthy to have sex during pregnancy and will be happy to know that intercourse while pregnant is completely fine in most cases for low risk women. Some women have no desire for sex while they're pregnant, while other women find that being pregnant increases sex drive. This is often to the delight of their husbands, but hold on fellas, sex drive usually doesn't increase until the second trimester.

Why Does Sex Drive Increase During Pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, the hormone progesterone becomes dominant, and helps to sustain the pregnancy. Progesterone is also known for increasing sex drive in women, which is why many women use a natural progesterone cream during perimenopause and menopause to increase vagina moisture, decrease mood swings, and to increase sex drive.

Second Trimester Sex is The Best

In the first trimester of pregnancy (the first 12 weeks or so), many women don't have much of a desire for sex with their husbands. This is due to many factors, many of which include early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, headaches, slight cramping, frequent urination and moodiness. Similarly, in the late stages of the third trimester, women often feel uncomfortably large, more tired, clumsy, and may not want to bring about preterm labor by having sex, which is a risk for some women.

The second trimester is the perfect time to enjoy frequent sex. Morning sickness has subsided, and women typically feel very good physically during this time. Because of the changes in hormones, many women enjoy increased sex drive and renewed arousal for their husbands. Many women also report more intense orgasms during their second trimester of pregnancy, and most will agree amongst themselves that second trimester sex is some of the best sex they've had with their husbands!If you find yourself desiring more intimacy with your husband during this time, rest assured that your baby will be safe and that sex during pregnancy is safe in most cases.

Everyone is Different

On the other hand, don't feel badly if your libido doesn't increase during pregnancy. While many women will see a surge in sexual arousal during their pregnancies, mainly in the second trimester, many won't. This is due to several factors, all of which are perfectly normal. It's always important to keep an open discussion with your husband about your needs and preferences during this time. For example, you may desire sex but your nipples may hurt when caressed or your breasts may be sore during this time. Certain sexual positions may cause more discomfort or may be more pleasing. You may feel different sensations during pregnancy, so it may take a different approach to reach orgasm. All these things are perfectly normal and healthy.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider

Many women may feel uncomfortable bringing up sex with their midwife or doctor. However, you can rest assured in knowing that he or she has heard and seen it all and won't likely be shocked by anything. Sex got you pregnant in the first place, don't forget! It's important to address concerns or questions with your health care provider who can reassure you or discuss safety precautions (such as abstaining during a high risk period of pregnancy, for example).

Sex is a healthy, pleasurable act of intimacy between a husband and wife and there is no reason a low-risk pregnant woman cannot enjoy sex and orgasms throughout her pregnancy.