Sex during pregnancy

Libido
Both partners' sexual desire can change throughout pregnancy. It may increase, decrease or stay the same. Whatever happens to your sex life while you're pregnant, make sure you listen and try to understand what your partner is feeling.
- You
Two reactions are possible. Under the influence of hormones, your breasts and genitals may be more sensitive. Some pregnant women feel more feminine and sexy during pregnancy; others, weighed down with fatigue, worries and the more negative effects of pregnancy hormones, may experience a drop in their sexual desire.
- Your partner
Two attitudes are also observed in men. Your partner's vision of you inevitably changes when you're pregnant. Some men find their partner's pregnant body incredibly sexy; others may keep their distance. The idea of paternal responsibility can also play a role. And if neither of you have a particularly strong sex drive then prioritise touch and massage, which can be just as sensual as full sex.

Fear of hurting the baby
There are many ill-founded fears surrounding sex during pregnancy. Fear of hurting the baby, waking the baby or subjecting baby to a view of its parents having sex! The fetus is better protected than we think, surrounded by amniotic fluid that completely separates it from the outside world.

A 9 month schedule
- 1st trimester: Sex is often the last thing on a woman's mind due to fatigue, morning sickness, a greater need for sleep, etc. In addition, the breasts can become painful during sex because arousal can lead to vascular congestion at the chest. The dad-to-be may go through a period of doubt faced with his partner's lower sex drive. He may feel rejected and struggle to envisage the place that baby will take in his life.
- 2nd trimester: Once the adaptation phase has passed, it’s back on! This second phase of pregnancy is the most fulfilling and is often called the second honeymoon. Many women find their sex drives and sexual pleasure increase, and sensations are more intense because vascular congestion reduces the opening of the vagina. Orgasm can cause contraction of the uterus that can be painful but has no consequences for the baby. Many dads-to-be are seduced by their partner's transformed body and voluptuous chest!
- 3rd trimester: Sex is still possible but it can be uncomfortable due to the size of the bump. In general, sexual activity slows down. The future mother is more focused on the presence of the baby and is more tired, and the baby also moves much more.

Towards the end of pregnancy, 50% of couples stop having sex little by little as the birth approaches. But in most cases, emotional and sexual balance is restored after the birth, even if it takes a little time. This is easier if the couple had a happy sex life during pregnancy.

The best positions for sex during pregnancy
Vary positions as much or as little as you want, but bear in mind that your rounded stomach and swollen, sensitive breasts will make positions like the missionary uncomfortable.
-         The woman on top position is practical as the bump won't get in the way. 
-         The spoons (man and woman on their sides) is great too as the heavy uterus won't put pressure on your stomach
-         The right angle position where the woman and man are on their backs, the man lies perpendicular to the women and slides his pelvis under her, is also a good option.
-         The woman on her knees position is a good position because the back does not suffer and a bump won't get in the way. 

Medical reasons not to have sex

In some cases, doctors may recommend you reduce or even stop sexual activity.

-         If there is minor bleeding early on in the pregnancy.

-         If you have placenta praevia, which means that the placenta is below the cervix.

-         If there’s a risk of premature birth.

-         If you’ve already had a miscarriage, avoid all penetration for the first 2 months.

-         Obviously, when your waters have broken you shouldn't have sex as the risk of infection for the fetus is very high.