Relationships and Intimacy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful experience that not only reshapes the physical but also the emotional landscapes of a relationship. As you and your partner prepare to welcome new life to the world, maintaining and nurturing the bond you have is crucial. Navigating intimacy and strengthening your relationship during this special time is of utmost importance.
Emotional Changes
Pregnancy hormones one experiences during this time can have a profound impact on your emotions, which can cause different feelings to come up. This emotional intensity may be more prominent during the start of your pregnancy but will recede as your pregnancy progresses on.
While the individual who is pregnant may be facing various hormonal changes during pregnancy, the other partner may also experience a variety of different emotions during this time as well. Feelings of sympathy, stress, anxiety, fear, excitement, etc. can be felt during this time.
During this time it is important to have open communication in your relationship, to share your feelings and listen to each other without judgement. Practicing these along with patience and understanding can help you both feel more supported.
Changes in Sexual Desire
Physical intimacy during pregnancy can be one of the most affected aspects of a relationship. Intimacy can be tricky to navigate during pregnancy due to changes in the libido which can fluctuate due to physical changes and discomfort, and hormonal changes and emotional stress.
Unless you have been told by your doctor or medical provider that you may not have intercourse, it is absolutely safe for you and your partner to do. During your first trimester, sexual desire may be low due to fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness. Your second semester typically is when women experience a resurgence in their libido, as morning sickness has dissipated and you are coming into your curves. The third trimester can be tricky to navigate due to your growing belly and the pains associated with it.
During your pregnancy it is important to openly communicate with your partner on your boundaries, needs, desires and discomforts. Also remember that intimacy does not always have to include sex and that exploring other forms of it such as cuddling, kissing, and massages are important as well.
How to Navigate Intimacy and Strengthen Your Relationship
Planning and preparing for the arrival of your baby can be a busy time and it can be easy to get caught up in all of it. During this time you may forget to nurture the relationship you have with your partner. Here are some ideas to keep the romance alive during pregnancy:
- Date Nights: Schedule regular date nights, even if they take place at your home. Watch a movie, cook a meal together, go do your favourite hobby (as long it is pregnancy safe), etc.
- Baby Preparations: Attend prenatal workshops together to prepare for the arrival of your baby and learn more about the process. Also work together on setting up the nursery, shopping for baby items, and planning for the baby’s needs.
- Explore Different Forms of Intimacy: Outside of sex, try to explore other forms of intimacy such as cuddling, massages, kissing, hand holding, and gentle touches to maintain physical closeness.
- Comfortable Positions: Find comfortable sex positions that accommodate any physical discomforts.
How Can We Help?
1) Counselling
Counselling can be highly beneficial for couples navigating their relationship and intimacy during pregnancy. This period brings about significant changes physically and emotionally which can strain even the strongest of relationships.
Through counselling, couples can improve their communication, addressing their fears, feelings, and expectations openly and honestly. It can help to provide emotional support, helping both partners in the relationship manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings that are common during the pregnancy period.
Additionally, counselling can help address any sort of intimacy issues by exploring changes in body image, libido, and physical comfort. Therapists can help couples by offering strategies to maintain a healthy and satisfying intimate relationship. Amare, our sexuality, intimacy and gender program consists of of highly experienced therapists, including Certified Sex Therapists who are here to support you through your journey!
2) Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
A pelvic health physiotherapist can help play a crucial role in helping to enhance relationships and intimacy during pregnancy. Pregnancy can often put a strain on pelvic floor muscles leading to various issues such as pain, incontinence, and discomfort during sex.
Working with a pelvic health physiotherapist can help pregnant individual to learn exercises and techniques to help strengthen their pelvic floor, helping to alleviate pain and improve physical comfort. This not only helps to enhance physical health but also boost confidence which can positively impact intimacy.
4) Massage Therapist
A massage therapist can help play a valuable role in helping to strengthen relationships and intimacy during pregnancy. Prenatal massage therapy can help to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, muscle tension, and swelling, helping promote physical comfort and relaxation. When an expectant mother feels more comfortable and less stressed, it can positively impact her relationship by reducing irritability and improving mood.
Additionally, couples can learn massage techniques that they can perform on each other, fostering physical closeness and intimacy. This shared activity can help strengthen the emotional bond between the couples but also help contribute significantly to a healthy and more intimate relationship during pregnancy.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey!
