Sex in the First Trimester

March 19, 2010

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Sex in the First Trimester

by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

Whether sex is better than before, slightly uncomfortable, or completely absent, virtually every couple discovers that their sexual relationship changes in some way during the course of pregnancy. While some couples find that sexual desire is enhanced during this time, others find it lacking. There are many reasons why this might occur.

Concern for the baby. Both the mother- and the father-to-be can experience many emotions when they find out they are expecting a baby. Some worry that making love might injure the baby in some way or cause a miscarriage. This fear keeps them from enjoying the activity that got them pregnant in the first place. It might be helpful to know that the fetus is protected inside your uterus by the amniotic sac. Keep in mind that sex is perfectly safe in normal, low-risk pregnancies, so try not to let unfounded medical concerns limit your ability to relax and enjoy.

Decreased sexual desire. Many women express having less interest in sex during the first trimester. This can be related to the many uncomfortable symptoms that often accompany the beginning of pregnancy: fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. Usually when a woman is feeling poorly, the last thing on her mind is sex. Conversely, some women find that they experience better sex than ever before. This could be because of changing hormones or because they have never felt so carefree about birth control. And for women who have gone through fertility treatment, the relationship between sex and the pressure to conceive is over. You certainly don't need to worry about it now!

Cramping and bleeding. A number of women worry about cramping they might experience during or after intercourse. Semen in the vagina, sexual arousal, and orgasm can all cause the uterus to cramp. This is normal. The cramping should subside soon after intercourse. Occasionally a woman will experience vaginal spotting after intercourse in the first trimester. If bleeding is heavy and is accompanied by severe cramps or lasts more than a few hours, call your practitioner.

If you have had any vaginal bleeding in the first trimester, discuss with your practitioner possible restrictions on your sex life. Generally couples are recommended to avoid intercourse until the bleeding has resolved and the pregnancy has been shown (by physical examination or ultrasound) to be progressing normally.

Communicate!
Regardless of whether your sexual relationship remains virtually unchanged with pregnancy, is better than before you conceived, or is less satisfying, you and your partner need to keep the lines of communication open. Especially if your sex drives are not matching up, share your feelings--it can nurture your marriage and help you to feel closer. (For the father's perspective, see the article "Sex with a Pregnant Partner".)


RELATED INFORMATION

			First Trimester Experiences
			First Trimester Miscarriage
			Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
			Sex and Pregnancy: Mom's Perspective
			Dad's Sex and Relationships

Created March 20, 2001
Reviewed August 23, 2004

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