Maximizing Sexual Pleasure During Pregnancy

Thu, 01/12/2012 - 10:09
Submitted by LesleyS

As a society, we don't see much information on pleasure during and after pregnancy. Seldom are the words seen together; yet ironically sex is what brought us to this point!

Here are my top ten ways to maximize sexual pleasure during pregnancy:

1. Listen to your body. The first trimester is exhausting for pregnant women. Coupled with nausea and breast tenderness, sexual intercourse may be the last thing on your mind! Just as your body and relationship are transitioning, so must your sexual expression. It is never static. Sexuality is fluid, always changing how we choose express and feel it. This is an excellent time to build intimacy with your partner through touch, massage and enjoying the quiet.

2. Take advantage of the increased estrogen your body is producing. During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces 150 times more estrogen PER DAY than a non-pregnant woman does in a lifetime. It is the main hormone responsible for libido, so take advantage of it while you can! The plancenta also makes testosterone which heightens to your libido as well.

3. Lots of lube. Speaking of estrogen, it is the hormone primarily responsible for vaginal lubrication. You may not have to use as much, if any, additional lubrication during sexual play.

4. Morning delight. Fatigue and life in general can take it’s toll on a pregnant mum. Consider having sexual intercourse and play first thing in the morning when you have the most energy. Nothing zaps libido like fatigue.

5. Try upright positions in the first trimester. This will help alleviate nausea as well as avoiding extra pressure on very sensitive breasts.

6. Taste this! The second trimester (usually) brings so relief of nausea as well as heightened sensory perception. Your senses of taste, smell and touch our heightened; use them to your advantage during sex play. Oral sex at this point can be amazing, thanks to your increased tactile sensations!

7. Feeling like “Relaxin”. In the second trimester, your pelvic girdle and other joints will start to relax in preparation for birth, thanks to the hormone relaxin. This relaxation, as well as your change in centre of gravity due to your blossoming belly, puts you at high risk for accidents. That being said, consider sexual positions that keep you safe and grounded like rear entry or woman on top.

8. Connect. As you enter the third trimester, fatigue may return, life slows down, and sexual play becomes more about comfort, connection and relaxation. Use this time to nurture intimacy and solidify your relationship for the amazing transitions ahead. Remember that you were a couple before the baby and will need to rely on each other during the beautiful and challenging few months ahead.

9. The return of libido. The third trimester may bring with it the libido that may have waned over the past few months. Some women report having zero sex drive but most have a raging libido similar to that of a teenage boy. Whatever your speed, take advantage of it.

10. Explore yourself. Take time to nurture yourself and see how your body responds to touch. Your sexuality is fluid and dynamic and pregnancy provides an awesome laboratory to experiment in. You can share your findings with your lover or keep them to yourself to feed your fantasies!

Enjoy and make the most of this wonderful experience. Take advantage of your heightened senses and own the power of what your amazing body is capable of!

Redefining my sexual self after babies.

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Interesting article. I

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 08:21
newleaf (not verified)

Interesting article. I definately had an increased libido in pregnancy and found my pleasure sensations were greatly intensified, it was also much easier to reach orgasm with my partner. mmmm

I've got a question!

Wed, 01/18/2012 - 12:52
just-curious (not verified)

I remember reading somewhere, ages ago, that lots of sex during pregnancy makes labor easier, and also, that late-pregnancy sex can bring on labor (I think doctors even suggest this if you're a few days overdue and tired of waiting! But as I said, it's a long time ago, so this may be just my over-active imagination). Is this true or just an urban myth? If yes, which of the factors involved makes it easier? The penetration? The boosted body confidence? The orgasms and all the hormonal stuff that goes on with them? I.e. does it matter what "kind" of sex one has during pregnancy? Would lots of masturbation work as well? I figure if anyone would know this it must be people on this site!
(This is not a "Dear Dr. Betty" question since it doesn't concern me personally for at least a while, I'm just curious - a comment answer will do :) 

Re: question

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 00:56
Anonymous21 (not verified)

I was told by my midwife that sex can only bring on labor if you're already ready. It won't force your body to start laboring.

If I am remembering correctly it is the semen that softens the cervix, which helps to tell your body it is ready to labor. I'm not sure how often it helps though. I was 9 days 'late' with my son so I tried everything to start labor.

I say 'late' bc it really is an ESTIMATED due date. Not exact. :)

I seriously doubt that "semen

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 09:29
Anonymous_ (not verified)

I seriously doubt that "semen ... softens the cervix, which helps to tell your body it is ready to labor."

It seems much more likely that the contractions of the different part of women's sexual organs during sexual activity, can activate labour contractions.

It's just speculation on my part. But I seriously doubt there is any scientific evidence of the "semen theory".

Actually....

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 20:59
Momof6 (not verified)

Semen contains prostaglandins, which work to soften & ripen the cervix. There's tons of "scientific evidence" of this...its all over the place, very well documented and a very well known fact if you are someone who has any clue about pregnancy & childbirth.

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