Appendix A

Handout 1: A Summary of Common Sexual Activity in Pregnancy

First Phase of Pregnancy (Conception to 12 Weeks)

• 20% decrease in sexual intercourse

• Woman diverts energy from role of lover to that of evolving mother

Second Phase of Pregnancy (12 to 32 Weeks)

• Couple refocuses on itself

• Sexual love rekindled

• Fifth-month crisis: woman's focus turns inwards; man may feel neglected or jealous and may initiate an extramarital affair

• Some women discover orgasm for the first time, due to increased pelvic congestion

• Some men may have sexual problems such as erection failure, erection maintenance, and premature ejaculation

Third Phase of Pregnancy (32 to 36 Weeks)

• Woman may experience uncertainty (abnormal baby and premature delivery), which could affect her sexuality

• Woman feels increased pelvic pressure due to baby (increased pelvic congestion lasts about 60 minutes following orgasm)

• Fluctuations in sexual desire

• Some men may experience sexual problems and decreased libido

• Important for couple to survive and/or cope with this period; the couple is not less sexual, just sexual in a different way

Fourth Phase of Pregnancy (36 Weeks to End of Pregnancy)

• Sensitive time for couple because it offers the potential for separation

• Pelvic congestion following orgasm takes longer to diminish (between 48 and 72 hours); couples should respect this delay in vaginal orgasm and sexual intercourse

• Some women experience pelvic discomfort; however, this will not harm the fetus

• Men could find that penetration is limited and less satisfying due to the baby's being engaged in the pelvis; couples may change position for sexual intercourse (rear-entry or side-by side)

• Lovemaking can be used to provoke labor

• If the G-Spot has been stimulated, release through ejaculation may be more difficult

Copyright © 2000 by Viola Polomeno. Permission to reprint is granted, provided the user credits the author.