Written by Editorial Team
Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful journey for couples. Still, it’s bound to bring about changes (and challenges!) in your physical and emotional relationship.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining intimacy during this period—mainly due to concerns about the baby’s well-being, how the mom’s body changes, and if there are pregnancy complications.
However, with open communication, understanding, and some creative adjustments, couples can still nurture intimacy during pregnancy. Let’s see how:
The foundation of any healthy and intimate relationship is open and honest communication. Although an exciting time, pregnancy is fraught with potential stressors and changes, which can affect a couple’s ability to maintain open communication. Here are some points to consider:
As expected, pregnancy changes a woman’s body significantly, which can affect a couple’s intimacy. Therefore, understanding these changes is crucial for both partners to navigate this time.
Hormonal fluctuations are one of the most drastic changes a woman experiences during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can lead to mood swings and emotional sensitivity, nausea, libido changes, and even heightened sensitivity to touch and smell. If this is the case, being patient and supportive of each other’s emotional needs is essential.
Another change to anticipate is a physical change. As the pregnancy progresses, the pregnant mom might experience breast tenderness, weight gain, and a growing belly that can affect how both partners experience intimacy.
Additionally, many pregnant women experience fatigue and discomfort, which may affect their desire for intimacy. As the partner of a pregnant fairy, it’s essential to understand and accommodate these feelings.
A common misconception is that sex and intimacy are the same thing. However, intimacy isn’t limited to sexual activity. This is good news for couples where sex isn’t the be-all-and-end-all in their relationship and for expectant couples. Below are some examples of other types of intimacy:
Right! Now, we get to the juicy part you probably want to know. Can and should you enjoy sexual intimacy during pregnancy, or should you go celibate for a few months? The good news (for those who want it) is that sexual intimacy during pregnancy can be both safe and fulfilling with proper care and communication. Here are some pointers:
Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns related to sexual activity during pregnancy. They can offer guidance based on your circumstances, e.g., pregnancy-related conditions.
As pregnancy progresses, certain sexual positions may become more comfortable or suitable than others. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you both. Also, use pillows or a belly belt to support and relieve pressure on your back and belly when looking for a comfortable position.
It’s quite normal for hormonal changes to affect a pregnant mother’s natural lubrication. If you need a little help in that department, consider a water-based lubricant (we don’t want chemicals in there) to enhance comfort during intercourse.
If intercourse isn’t working for you during this time, there are plenty of other ways that you can be sexually intimate. You can use couples’ toys to stimulate each other, give and receive sensual massages, or even read erotic fiction together while cuddling.
During pregnancy, it is paramount that you practice safe sex, as you don’t want to risk any complications that could affect you or your unborn baby. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
At any stage of the pregnancy, steer clear of activities that could cause strain or injury to the abdomen or genital area. This helps to prioritize the baby’s safety and avoid a complicated pregnancy.
If you or your partner have other sexual partners or there’s a risk of sharing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), ensure you use protection. STD treatment can be harsh and is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it can negatively impact the fetus’s development. Additionally, some STIs are transmissible to the baby during the birthing process.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding, losing your mucus plug, pain, or contractions after sexual activity, it would be best to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Maintaining intimacy during pregnancy is achievable with open communication, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to the changes at hand. It’s important to remember that intimacy is not confined to sexual activity, and you can still deepen your relationship, trust, and love for one another without it if it’s impractical for a while.
By prioritizing each other’s needs, respecting boundaries, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can continue nurturing and strengthening your relationship throughout the beautiful pregnancy journey.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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