Unfortunately
many couples are inhibited about sexuality. So they do not discuss
their problems with the Doctor. Every expectant couple finds that
their sexual relationship undergoes some kind of change, during
the nine months of pregnancy. For some, sex may be virtually non-existent
or for some it may become a little uncomfortable and for others
better than ever before.
In
The First Trimester: The sexual desires of women
with comfortable first trimesters is more or less the same. In
others the fatigues, nausea and vomiting and painful tender breasts
may be a deterrent. In a small minority, the sexual desire
increases because the engorged vulva and breast have heightened
sensitivity and women may experience multiple orgasms for
the first time.
Mid Trimester: The couple, by now is physically and
psychologically better adjusted to the pregnancy, so the interest
picks up, but not always. You may find it is the best you have
ever had!
Third Trimester: As
the D-day approaches, the sexual desire usually wanes, sometimes
more drastically than the 1st trimester, for obvious reasons:
* |
The
size of the abdomen, makes things difficult to get around.
|
* |
The
discomfort of advancing pregnancy cools even the hottest
passion. It
is hard to concentrate as one anxiously waits for the awaited
moment. |
There are certain fears and hangups that can interfere with sexual
enjoyment during pregnancy, but these can be minimised
by proper understanding :
* |
Fear
of hurting the foetus or causing a miscarriage. |
|
Understand:
The foetus is well protected by the amniotic sac and uterus,
so the
foetus
is not harmed. |
* |
Fear
that orgasm may stimulate miscarriage or early labour |
|
Understand:
Though the uterus has contractions after an orgasm, it does
not cause
danger
to a normal pregnancy. Avoid in cases where there is a high
risk of miscarriage. |
|
* |
Fear
that introduction of penis will cause infection |
|
|
Understand:
As long as the male does not have a sexually transmitted
disease,
there is no
danger of infection. The baby is safe in the
amniotic sac, both from
the semen and infectious organisms. |
* |
Fear
of hitting the baby once the head is engaged in the pelvis.
|
|
Understand:
You cannot hurt the baby but deep penetration won’t be comfortable
at
this time, so it should be avoided. |
Sexual
relations may be limited if:
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There
is any unexplained bleeding. |
* |
If
there is a history of miscarriage in the 1st trimester or
history of premature
labour in the 3rd trimester. |
* |
If
amniotic membranes (bag of water) has ruptured
in
last trimester in case of
multiple
pregnancy. |
* |
Good
lasting sexual relationships happen with patience, understanding
and love.
This is more true when the relationship undergoes the emotional
and physical
assaults of pregnancy. |
* |
Think
positive, enjoy it more, even if you are doing it less,
by putting emphasis
on love, rather than love making. |
* |
Find
alternative routes to intimacy. The
classic missionary position with man or
woman on top may be uncomfortable but the male could be
off to one side
supported by his arms (to keep his weight off the woman)
or both partners on the
side, front to front or front to back, or kneel or crouch
so that the partner can
enter you from behind. |
* |
Find
other ways than penetration to have gratification for e.g.
mutual
masturbation. Massaging
each other could be fun. |
|
