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 to 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 its 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.
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