A woman's body changes so dramatically during pregnancy, it is sometimes hard to believe when you look in the mirror that you will ever be 'back to normal' again. How you and your partner feel about your body and how you feel about making love together can affect your relationship in both positive and negative ways.
Some couples love the look of pregnancy. They find it beautiful, sensual and fascinating. They relish these special few months when the woman's body is creating the miracle of giving life to their child. Making love may be enjoyable, although it often involves some inventive positions. There are no concerns about contraception and the woman's body is usually much more sensitive to touching.
However, many women feel tired, big, and uncomfortable (especially during late pregnancy) and dislike their pregnant bodies. Or their partners do not feel particularly at ease with making love to them, perhaps treating them like a 'sacred cow', rather than a sexual partner. These are issues that need to be shared with each other and worked through so that you do not feel rejected for the wrong reasons. Sometimes romantic gestures with loving and nurturing actions such as a massage can help with body image acceptance and feeling sensual without sex. You may wish to read
sex during late pregnancy.
Some women's concerns during pregnancy extend beyond the birth. Many worry about whether their bodies will return to normal and/or how their vagina's will change or if their partner will still find them sexually attractive after the birth.
Birth, whether it is vaginal or by Caesarean, will change your body forever in different ways. These changes are part of the journey of life.
Some women who have had an
episiotomyor needed stitches will find sex uncomfortable or painful for a while. Others find that their genitals have changed in a positive way exposing their clitoris more, making sex more enjoyable.