The 2nd trimester is the best time for harmonious sexual relations. And even if the decrease in desire is frequent in women and in men, it is important to remain complicit.
During pregnancy, sexuality is disrupted. The desire of women changes, but also that of men. Sensations can be heightened during intercourse, which is never dangerous for the baby. And making love at the end of pregnancy can trigger labor, even if it’s rare!
Interview with Dr. Sylvain Mimoungynecologist and specialist in sexuality (1).
Does the woman’s desire change during this period?
Dr. Sylvain Mimoun : Generally yes. Some women, but it’s rare, have more desire to make love during their pregnancy while the majority of them have rather less desire at this time. They are more preoccupied with their pregnancy than with their life as a couple or a fortiori with their intimate life and their sexuality. But it is rarely experienced dramatically, both by them and by their spouse. And it is rarely a reason for consultation. It becomes so when they are unable to have any sexual contact.
What are the variations of desire according to the stages of pregnancy?
Dr. Sylvain Mimoun : Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, which each have their particularity in relation to sexuality. The first trimester is the discovery of pregnancy. Some symptoms such as nausea, not feeling well, sometimes being irritable, can lead to a decrease in sexual desire on the woman’s side. It’s not the best time. On the other hand, the second trimester is the most appropriate time insofar as there are no longer these early troubles and not yet those of the end. The woman feels in harmony with herself. She is flooded with hormones, which allow her to have a much more comfortable sexuality. Finally, during the third trimester, it is the period when the belly is the biggest, which can sometimes interfere with sexual intercourse. In addition, women fear that it is dangerous for the baby, which is not the case.
Is there a fear of the gaze of the other because his body changes?
Dr. Sylvain Mimoun : Unfortunately, sometimes when the woman looks at herself, she feels worse. She wonders how her spouse will find her and she lets herself be looked at less. And even if the spouse reassures her by saying “I like it when your breasts are bigger, your belly is cute”, the woman can take it badly. Hence the importance that the two partners talk to each other, and be accomplices in this regard.
Interview with Sandrine Chauvard
(1) Author of several books, including “heart side, sex side: the ABC of happiness for two”, co-written with Rica Etienne and published by Albin Michel editions.
Tomorrow :
Pregnancy and sexuality: does a man’s desire change during this period?
