Hormones call the shots
Submitted by: Marc. C. Gittelman
Submitted on: April 10, 2007
Q: My wife is pregnant for the first time and there has been a negative change in our sex life. Is this normal? What can I do?
A: Changes in sexuality vary during pregnancy. A woman’s desire and response depends on her trimester and how she is feeling. Researchers from the University of Pisa in Italy studied 450 women during and after pregnancy. Overall, during pregnancy, 48 percent of women reported a positive change in the way they experience sexuality and 30 percent perceived a negative change. The first trimester was the time that most women described reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourse. They also noticed that they had a sexual enjoyment during the first trimester.
The good news is that women tend to feel more comfortable during their second and third trimester. This study and others have shown that there is an increase in desire and orgasmic satisfaction in the second trimester. When pregnant women reach the final third of their pregnancy, there is significant variability. Some will continue to maintain a high libido and sexual satisfaction, while others will have reduced frequency of making love or even stopping altogether until after the baby is born.
Be gentle during this time when the expecting mom is appropriately protective of her baby. Remember that she is going through huge hormonal and emotional swings. One night she might keep her distance, and the next night she may need the comfort and confidence of your emotional and physical love.