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. 2000 Fall;9(4):15–27. doi: 10.1624/105812400X87879
Appendix B
Handout 2: Pregnant Women's Physical Changes Affecting their Sexuality*
1. Skin
 • Erogenous zones may be displaced and must consequently be redefined: the pregnant woman's hands, back of the legs, waist, and the scalp become extra sensitive and more receptive to touch and caresses.
 • Weight gain and uterine development will affect the skin's elasticity during pregnancy, potentially resulting in stretch marks. Stomach, hips, inside of the thighs, and breasts become more susceptible to stretch marks and less receptive to touch as erogenous zones. The male partner can help by rubbing cream or almond oil on these parts in order to keep the skin soft.
 • Pregnant women perspire more easily; thus, daily hygiene becomes more important.
2. Breasts
 • Become heavier, bigger
 • Nipples darken and enlarge
 • Very sensitive in the beginning; at about 4 months of pregnancy, return to original sensitivity as before the pregnancy. Certain women have sensitive breasts during the 9 months of pregnancy.
 • At some point in the pregnancy, colostrum may leak from the breasts.
3. Circulation
 • Varicose veins can develop around the hips, inside the thighs, on the calves, and around the feet. These areas may become so sensitive that any touch may feel uncomfortable and caresses may cause intolerance and pain.
 • Varicose veins may develop in the vulvar region and inside the vagina, making penetration very uncomfortable and even painful. This condition is more evident towards the end of pregnancy.
 • Lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the clitoris may be compromised so that the area becomes more sensitive. Some women may be more easily aroused, while others have less feeling and no longer experience orgasm from the clitoris.
 • If a pregnant woman has hemorrhoids, orgasm can be more painful for her. Hemorrhoids could bleed after vaginal intercourse or manual caresses of the anus.
 • Anal intercourse for pregnant women remains very controversial. Anal intercourse for a pregnant woman with hemorrhoids is prohibited.
4. Respiratory
 • Between 5 and 8 months of pregnancy, some women may experience physiological shortness of breath after orgasm and intercourse. This may be accompanied by minor pain from the rib cage and heart palpitations. A short rest after the sexual encounter is advised. If conditions persist, the woman should be checked for anemia and calcium deficiency.
5. Intestinal
 • After 5 months of pregnancy, some women may experience heartburn following orgasm, a condition that may affect their sexual desire. Try changing position after lovemaking and determining any food that increases the heartburn.
6. Urinary
 • Urinary frequency increases with pregnancy. It is normal for some pregnant women to lose a small quantity of urine during lovemaking and after intercourse. To avoid this problem, empty the bladder before lovemaking.
 • If the couple uses the rear and/or squatting position for intercourse, the woman may have a sensation of wanting to urinate and/or she may experience small spasmic sensations from the bladder. Some women may even experience orgasm following stimulation of the bladder in this way.
7. Uterus
 • The uterus can contract for at least 1 to 2 minutes after orgasm, which is not harmful to the fetus.
 • The fetus can be active after an expectant mother's orgasm for 30 minutes or more, just basking in his or her mother's happiness (Mom happy, Baby happy!)
8. Vagina
 • An increase in vaginal secretions occurs during pregnancy.
 • Increased pelvic congestion leads potentially to greater sensation in lower third of vagina. The woman feels the penis more easily during intercourse.
 • Vaginal secretions may have metallic smell, which will decrease during the excitation phase of sexual response.
 • Men have reported that vaginal secretions have a salty taste that disappears with orgasm.

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