Increased sex drive during early pregnancy
Alongside morning sickness or tender breasts, increased sex drive during early pregnancy can also be one of the first hints that a person is pregnant.
The hormone levels of your body increases rapidly during the first trimester. Consequently, your breasts and nipples will likely feel larger and more sensitive. Feelings of emotional connection to your partner may also increase during the first month of pregnancy.
The average woman gains almost three pounds of blood when she is pregnant. This extra blood flows to the breasts, vulva, and sexual organs. Because of the additional flow, many pregnant women feel an increase in their libido.
With hormones high, pregnant women tend to experience increased libido, especially late in the first trimester. In addition, orgasms may also be more intense, and they may even experience multiple orgasms during sexual activity. Increased sex drive during early pregnancy is normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
Can you have sex while you are pregnant?
The short answer is yes. The amniotic fluid inside your uterus and the uterus’ strong muscles protect your developing baby. As long as you don’t experience vaginal spotting, bleeding, or crampy abdominal pain, sexual activity will not affect your baby.
During pregnancy, however, you might experience changes in your level of comfort and sexual desire. Increased sex drive during early pregnancy is possible, but pregnant women would also feel a decline in their drive as pregnancy progresses.
When should you avoid sex during pregnancy?
Sex is okay during pregnancy but be mindful of its effects on you. For instance, prostaglandins, a group of hormones in semen, can cause uterine contractions, which can cause preterm labor. Uterine contractions may also be painful and uncomfortable.
Despite an increased sex drive during early pregnancy, you may be advised against sexual activity by your healthcare provider if significant pregnancy complications are expected or found. If you have plans of engaging in sexual intercourse during pregnancy, make sure to consult your doctor if you have:
- Twins, triplets, or multiple fetuses are developing in your womb
- Suffered a miscarriage before, or currently have the risk of miscarriage
- History of delivering your baby before 37 weeks (preterm labor)
- Risks or a history of miscarriage or premature birth due to a weakened cervix
- Experienced warning signs of preterm labor such as preterm contractions
- Symptoms of vaginal discharge, bleeding, or cramps in the area below the navel
- Leaking amniotic fluid
- Placenta Previa. A condition wherein the placenta is too low, so it covers or is very near the entrance of the uterus (cervix)
Increased sex drive during early pregnancy is normal. However, before engaging in intercourse, make sure you know you are not at risk of developing complications for the duration of your pregnancy.
Sexual urges during the trimesters
1st Trimester
When a woman is pregnant, her hormone levels start to change and she can feel increased sexual desire. Increased sex drive during early pregnancy can be attributed to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. However, you may also notice a decline in libido in response to nausea, fatigue, stress and weight gain.
High hormone levels, discomforting physical symptoms, and stress can all affect a woman’s libido.
2nd Trimester
The second trimester is the time when most women report that their libido is at its peak since the nausea from early pregnancy is waning. This increased sex drive during early pregnancy is the perfect time for you and your partner to engage in intercourse.
It varies from woman to woman but increased libido may continue to manifest up until the first few weeks of the third trimester.
3rd Trimester
As you get closer to delivery, fatigue and pain will likely lessen your desire to have sex. Other women experience this decline in libido up until they start having contractions.
Keep in mind that everyone is different, and that almost any level of sexual interest and frequency is considered “normal” during pregnancy.
It’s okay to not be in the mood for sexual activity at all. Most women report a decreased sex drive at some point during pregnancy. Don’t worry, it’s only temporary. After you give birth, it is normal for your libido to return.
Key Takeaway
Increased sex drive during early pregnancy is normal. This is a time wherein a woman’s body experiences changes. More hormones are being produced during this time, causing a pregnant woman to feel sexual urges. Sex during pregnancy is okay so long as the woman does not have foreseeable complications in her pregnancy. It is best to consult a doctor before engaging in intercourse.
Learn more about Being Pregnant here.
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