Pregnancy: what effects on sexuality?

---

Extract from the article: During pregnancy, a woman undergoes hormonal and physical changes, associated with an emotional upheaval. This can have an impact on sexual balance. What can you expect during these 9 months?

---

During pregnancy, a woman undergoes hormonal and physical changes, associated with an emotional upheaval. This can have an impact on sexual balance. What can you expect during these 9 months?

 

In order for sexuality during pregnancy not to be taboo, it is important to understand the changes that this physiological state brings to the body. First of all, during the first trimester, many mothers-to-be are subject to episodes of nausea and vomiting, hypersomnia and fatigue. These feelings reduce the desire to have sex.

In addition, under hormonal influence, the volume of the breasts increases, the size of the uterus gradually expands to reach the umbilicus in the 5th month of pregnancy. The uterus can then compress the large vessels (aorta and inferior vena cava) and explain the episodes of discomfort when the woman remains lying on her back. The missionary position is therefore not recommended from this stage of pregnancy. It is better to use the spoon position when both partners are lying on their sides, with the woman's back against the man's stomach. In this position, the volume of the uterus does not hinder venous circulation.

It is also important to note the natural occurrence of pelvic hypervascularisation and venous hyperpressure, which cause pelvic, vaginal and vulvar congestion. These phenomena make the erogenous zones less accessible and therefore reduce the degree of sensitivity during sexual intercourse. The breasts become tighter and more sensitive. Vaginal dryness also occurs during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Do not hesitate to use a lubricating cream in this case.

During sexual intercourse, lubrication during the arousal phase is reduced during the first and last trimesters. But it increases during the second trimester. During intercourse, the so-called plateau phase, during which arousal is maintained, lasts longer. Due to the lack of mobility and the change in vaginal and clitoral sensitivity, orgasm is also more difficult to achieve. However, during the 9 months, estrogen and progesterone levels increase: their soothing effect is more pronounced. This is a good way to get rid of the stress or apprehension that can prevent sexuality.

 

What about psychology?

Several changes can also disturb the couple psychologically: the arrival of the child who, even if desired, becomes a third person and disturbs the couple's intimacy. Other factors include the fear of miscarriage. But also the degree of sexual closeness before the pregnancy: if the couple had a fulfilled sexuality without taboos, the pregnancy is not a hindrance. However, certain unresolved previous problems may be expressed during this particular period.

Elom AKAKPO