Sex drive during pregnancy - what to expect in each trimester

For most women, sex drive during pregnancy varies from trimester to trimester. Let's take a look at what you can expect during each trimester of your pregnancy.

Sex drive during pregnancy - what to expect in each trimester

Feeling a bit horny lately? It's no surprise.

It is not just a myth that women experience a higher sex drive during pregnancy. Your body goes through some serious changes to accommodate the new baby. Your hormones alter and this is partly responsible for the increased libido.

But, do all women experience a high sex drive during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, it's not a given for all pregnant women. Your sex drive can still experience ups and downs. For some women, there is a total absence of sex drive throughout their entire pregnancy. Psychological factors also influence a woman's libido in a negative or positive way. Our general emotional state during pregnancy and the way we perceive the changes to our body can all affect sex drive. For most women, sex drive during pregnancy varies from trimester to trimester.

Let's take a look at what you can expect during each trimester of your pregnancy

1st trimester - Sex drive

Most women will experience a lot of mood changes during the first trimester. It is also the time when you might feel the most unwell physically. As morning sickness, dizziness, heartburn and other pregnancy symptoms start to intensify, sex might be the last thing on your mind. So for most women, this is a time when their sex drive is lower.

However, there are those lucky women that don't experience any pregnancy symptoms. For them, a high sex drive during the first trimester is not unusual. Sex positions to try in the 1st trimester: Anything goes during the first trimester - so go crazy!

Tip: Use a lubricant as you will probably find yourself drier in the first trimester.

2nd trimester - Sex drive

This is the time when most pregnant women will be easily aroused. As they begin to feel well again, their hormonal changes will also increase libido. You may feel much more energized than before, which can be an additional factor.

Also, the increased blood flow in the vulva area will contribute to a higher sex drive and increased sensitivity. Some pregnant women even report feeling an orgasm for the first time, or more intense ones. Get ready for passion!

Sex positions to try in 2nd trimester: Spooning, Girl on top, reverse cowgirl or lying side ways.

To avoid: Once you're 20 weeks along, avoid positions that have you lying flat on your back, such as the missionary position. When you lie on your back, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on your aorta, which compromises blood flow to the placenta.

3rd trimester - Sex drive

During the third trimester, your sex drive can become lower. As your belly increases, the pregnancy weight starts to become a little bit uncomfortable.

This might cause mood changes that influence your libido. Closer to your delivery date, discomforts like haemorrhoids, leaky breasts, varicose veins and a "swollen" vagina and vulva may sap all desire for sex. Also, sexual intercourse at this time could create some false contractions that worry some future mothers.

But, if your doctor hasn't recommended otherwise, sex during pregnancy can be safe and enjoyable. However, if you don't feel up for it, don't try to force anything.

Sex positions to try in 3rd trimester: Girl on top, reverse cowgirl, scissors and sitting.

To avoid: It may be best to not have anal sex. Haemorrhoids are a common problem at this stage of pregnancy, and anal sex could cause rectal bleeding.

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