Sex and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

You're bloated, nauseous, and more tired than you've ever been in your life, and sex is so far out of the picture it's not even on your radar screen.

Or ... you're feeling steamy, hot, sensuous, and wanting your partner more than you ever thought you could.

Sound like two different women? It could be. But don't be surprised if these kind of dramatic sexual mood swings are part of a single pregnancy -- yours. While most women are fairly well acquainted with their sexual appetite prior to conceiving, once pregnancy happens, everything you thought you knew about your need or desire for sex may suddenly change. What's more, the minute you think you've figured it all out, you enter a new trimester and things can change once again!

The good news: From first trimester to last, sex and pregnancy is a healthy combination. One reason is that it can help keep your pelvic floor muscles toned for delivery, which can benefit you and your baby. But it can also help you and your partner expand your emotional connection to each other. A great sex life can also help you feel more desirable and yes, even sexy, at a time when you might be feeling a little down about how you look. In fact, while it may seem hard to imagine right now, for some of you pregnancy could turn out to be one of the most sexually exciting times of your life!

Pregnancy and Sexual Desire: The First Trimester

Perhaps the most important thing you can learn about sexual desire during pregnancy is that no two days are going to be alike. Much like the time before you conceived, some days you will feel like having sex, other days you won't. The only difference is, during pregnancy these desires can fluctuate much more dramatically, particularly during your first trimester. One reason has to do with your hormone levels, which are dramatically changing during this time. In addition, don't be surprised if your newly developed maternal instincts also kick in, affecting sexual desire as well. Experts say this is a normal reaction and something you can expect during your first trimester.

"During pregnancy, not only is your body changing, but your newfound maternal feelings can trigger complex emotional responses," says registered nurse and perinatal educator Joy Hacke. Suddenly, she says, motherhood and sexuality may seem "mutually exclusive," resulting in a temporary decrease in your sexual appetite. In at least one medical study of 112 pregnant Swedish couples, researchers found 40% of women experienced as least some decline in their desire for sex during the first trimester.

Hot and Heavy: Your Second Trimester

Whatever you missed during your first trimester, you can certainly begin enjoying in your second trimester. Indeed, beginning around your 14th week of pregnancy you are likely to feel a surge of confidence and energy, as well as a return of your sexual appetite. As many of the unpleasant symptoms of your first trimester (like morning sickness) begin to fade, a whole new set of physiological changes begin occurring, and some of them can have an enormously positive effect on your desire for sex.