Sex Drive During Pregnancy: How Libido Changes When You’re Expecting

Pregnancy can bring a whirlwind of changes to your body. From your taste buds to your size, mood swings to hair and skin health – almost every aspect of your life undergoes some kind of transformation. Your libido too! Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy

Morning sickness and fatigue are very common during pregnancy. It also affects your libido, so your sex drive can be very high or very low. There may be times when you can’t keep your hands off your partner. But at other stages of your pregnancy, sex may be the last thing on your mind. Whether high or low, libido changes during pregnancy will be hard to ignore. Read on to learn all about sex drive during pregnancy and whether it’s normal to have a low or high libido as you prepare for motherhood.

How does pregnancy affect sex drive?

Libido or sex drive refers to a person’s desire to engage in a sex-related activity. Pregnancy can affect a woman’s sex drive during different trimesters due to hormonal changes, physical discomforts and emotional factors, says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Madhu Juneja.

1. First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 12)

During the first trimester, women have lower levels of sexual desire, according to an analysis published in Public Health Reviews magazine in January 2024. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone, is produced by cells in the placenta after an embryo implants in the wall of the uterus. This hormone stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone, which are also hormones. Due to the increase in hormone levels, women may experience nausea and mood swings. Fatigue and morning sickness (nausea and vomiting) can lead to decreased energy and interest in sexual activity. Emotional fluctuations, such as mood swings and pregnancy anxiety, can also affect sex drive. Some women may feel less interested in sex because of these emotional changes, the expert says.

2. Second Trimester (Weeks 13 to 26)

Hormone levels stabilize in the second trimester for many women, leading to a potential increase in libido. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area can also enhance sensitivity and arousal. Many of the discomforts associated with early pregnancy, such as nausea and fatigue, tend to subside during the second trimester. This can help improve sexual desire and comfort. Some women also feel more confident about their changing bodies during this trimester, which can positively affect their libido.

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3. Third trimester (27 weeks until the birth of the child)

As the baby grows, physical discomforts such as back pain, pelvic pressure and difficulty finding comfortable positions can occur. This can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and pleasure, says Dr Juneja. Extra weight and strain on the body in late pregnancy can contribute to increased fatigue and decreased interest in sex. Anxiety about labor and delivery, as well as worries about the upcoming changes and responsibilities of parenthood, can affect libido.

How to deal with low libido during pregnancy?

Here are some ways to help manage and deal with low libido during pregnancy:

• Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling and any concerns you have about your libido changing during pregnancy. Open communication can strengthen your relationship and reduce feelings of guilt or pressure.
• Explore ways to improve physical comfort during intimacy. Experiment with different positions that minimize discomfort and avoid abdominal pressure.
• Use pillows for support and consider trying activities that focus on relaxation, such as massage or gentle touch.
• Focus on emotional intimacy and connection with your partner. Engage in activities that focus on closeness and trust, such as cuddling, talking, and spending quality time with your partner.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise (as recommended by your doctor). Physical well-being can positively affect libido.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

In most cases, it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy progresses without complications, the expert says. However, there are some considerations and potential factors that may affect the safety and comfort of sex during pregnancy.

• For women with low-risk pregnancies (no history of miscarriage, preterm birth, or other complications), sexual activity is generally considered safe throughout pregnancy.
• If a woman has certain medical conditions or complications during pregnancy (placenta previa, cervical insufficiency, risk of premature birth), her doctor may advise or limit sexual activity to reduce the risk of complications.
• It is important that both partners communicate openly about comfort levels, concerns, and any physical or emotional changes experienced during pregnancy.

Changes in libido during pregnancy are normal and can vary greatly between women. Understanding the potential implications and maintaining open communication with a partner can help navigate changes in libido and intimacy during pregnancy. If libido concerns persist or cause concern, discussing them with a doctor may be helpful.