Sex & Pregnancy
Can you have sex during pregnancy?
There are several myths surrounding sex during pregnancy for example: sex will cause miscarriage, premature labour or foetal damage.
But research has proven that these myths are groundless, and intercourse during all stages of a NORMAL pregnancy is completely safe. If your pregnancy is not “normal” (History of miscarriage; history of pre-term labour; unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge or cramping; leakage of amniotic fluid; multiple foetuses) you should consult your doctor before having sex.
Pregnancy and orgasm
Pregnancy hormones affect every woman differently. Some women have difficulty reaching orgasm during pregnancy, while others say they actually experience better orgasms during pregnancy.
If you’re finding it difficult to reach orgasm, try to figure out if the problem is physical or psychological… For example, you or your partner could be worried about harming the baby during sex, and therefore be distracted.
As your stomach begins to grow, you may also find sex uncomfortable. Try positions that give you the most control and that are the most comfortable for you. You may also experience some bleeding during and after intercourse – this is because the cervix becomes very saturated with blood to feed the baby, and the tissue becomes tender.
Birth and self-esteem
Many women experience a decline in their body image after having children. This will inevitably affect the intimacy in the relationship, but several studies have shown that a woman’s weight gain after childbirth does not affect her partner’s attraction and sexual desires in any way.
In fact, men are often even more attracted to their wives when they are “the mother of their child”.
Remember that communication is vital. Tell your partner when you are feeling bad about yourself, and tell him how he can encourage you.
Sex after the birth of the baby
Most women experience a decrease in their libido following the birth of their child. Low libido can be caused by many things including fatigue, hormones, medication, relationship issues, health problems and psychological problems.
The most important ingredient to help you get through this stage in life is communication.
Doctors say that a mother’s body only fully recovers from the birth experience up to six months after giving birth. Sleepless nights, increased responsibilities and the sheer over-whelming task of raising a child will definitely leave you feeling run-down, exhausted and un-sexy.
Continue ReadingMen experience the birth of their child in different ways. Some will rejoice at becoming a father, and some will feel completely overwhelmed by the added responsibilities of a child.
Continue ReadingSome women find incredible purpose in becoming a mother. They feel that their purpose in life has finally been fulfilled. This is a wonderful experience for them, as they take on their new roles as lover and mother.
Continue Reading
Sexology is a professional and specialised area of therapy which explores the many physical and emotional reasons for sexual difficulties.
Anyone who has experienced relationship or sexual difficulties for a long period of time would benefit from seeking professional counselling.
According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 3 out of 10 men, and 4 out of 10 women, experience sexual problems.