During pregnancy, the body of pregnant women will generally experience various changes that are influenced by hormones. It can also make your sex drive decrease during pregnancy. However, pregnant women need not worry because there are several ways that can be done to restore sex drive during pregnancy.
Pregnant women generally need to adapt to various changes during pregnancy, such as enlarged breasts and abdomen. Not only physical changes, hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can also affect the psychological condition of pregnant women.
Various changes experienced and feelings of anxiety, stress, or worry that pregnant women may feel during pregnancy, it can make sex drive decrease during pregnancy.
Various Possible Causes of Decreased Sex Arousal During Pregnancy
The causes of decreased sex drive during pregnancy can be caused by physical or psychological factors, such as:
Not confident
As the gestational age increases, the body shape of pregnant women will change. These changes can make pregnant women feel less attractive and think they are unable to provide satisfaction to their husbands.
If pregnant women feel less confident because of the changed body shape during pregnancy, try to think positively and remind yourself that the pregnant woman's body shape can return to normal after giving birth later.
Fatigue
During pregnancy, pregnant women may feel more frequent nausea and vomiting, thus making the body weak or tired. This condition can make pregnant women choose to rest more than have sex.
Fortunately, complaints of nausea and vomiting will usually subside after the pregnancy enters the second trimester. Thus, pregnant women will return to energy, as well as sex drive.
Several studies say that many pregnant women experience increased sexual arousal and feel more satisfied when having sex in the second trimester. This may be influenced by changes in pregnancy hormones that make the libido of pregnant women increase and make the vagina tend to be wetter and sensitive.
Worried about the safety of the fetus
The presence of the fetus in the stomach can make pregnant women feel anxious and more careful to have sex. As a result, sex drive can decrease during pregnancy. In fact, as long as pregnancy is declared healthy, sex is still safe to do.
Tips to Increase Sex Arousal During Pregnancy
So that pregnant women's relationships with their partners remain harmonious, increasing sex drive during pregnancy can be done in many ways, including:
1. Don't be afraid to hurt the fetus
Having sex while pregnant will not cause a miscarriage or trigger a premature birth. Inside the body of a pregnant woman, the fetus is protected by the uterus and the amniotic fluid and sac. If the womb is in good health, pregnant women can have sex safely without causing problems for the fetus.
However, if you are having problems with your pregnancy, your doctor may recommend delaying or not having sex for a while.
2. Get enough sleep
Pregnancy can make the body become tired more quickly. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to get plenty of rest and get enough sleep for approximately 8 hours every night. If the body feels tired, sex drive will decrease.
3. Have sex in a safe position
Choose safe sex positions during pregnancy without inviting risks, such as side-to-side or woman on top. Both positions do not put additional pressure on the stomach of pregnant women.
When having sex while pregnant, it is important for the expectant mother and partner to do it comfortably, without worry, and in a safe position.
4. Always maintain communication and intimacy with your partner
If pregnant women feel less interested in having sex, try to maintain intimacy with your partner, for example by massaging each other, stroking, hugging, or kissing. This may help increase sex drive again.
5. Do exercise regularly and eat nutritious food
In order for pregnancy conditions to remain healthy, pregnant women are recommended to consume nutritious food and exercise regularly. These activities can also increase the energy and confidence of pregnant women. However, this is of course done after the pregnant woman consults with her obstetrician.
Decreased sex drive during pregnancy is common. However, if a decrease in libido is considered to have disrupted the harmony of pregnant women and their partners, pregnant women can consult a gynecologist for advice and appropriate treatment.
