Pregnancy and Desire: Breaking the Taboos - Élhée

Pregnant and Desiring: Breaking the Taboo

Pregnant, you feel that "fragile woman" is definitely not the definition that best fits you. Your belly is growing, you’re carrying life inside you, and you need (a lot) more sleep—it’s true. But you’re still a woman, and even a woman at the height of her power. Creative, imaginative, sensitive, full of love, but also strong, influential, romantic, and seductive. A mother-to-be and a woman, here and now, without having to wait.

Female desire and pregnancy: let’s break the taboos!

In reality, for many women, pregnancy brings out an intensified sensuality and creates unexpected and/or heightened sensations. However, the image of the pregnant woman as being in control of her own sexuality is still difficult to accept, and even to imagine, in our society. For instance, the midwife’s thesis "Sexuality during pregnancy: Perspectives within the couple," published in 2017, reveals that:

  • 62-91% of midwives do not systematically bring up sexuality with their patients
  • 35-77% of pregnant women have not discussed their sexuality with a healthcare professional during pregnancy
  • 66-71% of future fathers have not received any information about sexuality during pregnancy

Talking helps break taboos and allows feelings and experiences to flourish. Far from the mother/lover opposition that suggests sexual desire has no place in a future mom’s life, every woman should be able to live her femininity as she chooses, without judgment and in full freedom.

Pregnant, they desire their partners more than ever

With a fluctuating libido—often tough beginnings, a thriving second trimester, and the last three months often marked by caution—women are becoming more attuned to their bodies and more eager than ever to enjoy a fulfilling sex life during pregnancy.

Libido during the first trimester

The first three months of pregnancy are often marked by fatigue and nausea. This "low energy" typically doesn’t encourage wild sexual encounters. Instead, the focus is on rest and preparing both body and mind. As for the couple, these first few weeks allow them to process the big news: soon, you’ll be parents!

Libido during the second trimester

The second trimester is often considered the most favorable period. Nausea is (supposedly) over, and the future mom’s energy soars, along with her sexual vitality. Her belly isn’t overly prominent yet, but is beginning to show beautifully. Weight gain is also moderate or even absent. It’s probably the best time to enjoy your bubble of well-being and sensuality with your partner.

Libido during the third trimester

Unless medically contraindicated, sexual intercourse can continue until the final days before delivery. Yet, discomfort, trouble finding the right position, fear of "disturbing" the baby, or concerns that orgasm might trigger contractions… Many couples slow down their sexual activity around the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy.

While there’s a lack of data about female sexuality during pregnancy, information regarding men is even rarer. One can only imagine the mixed feelings men experience watching their lover become a mother and their child grow inside her.

But for men who celebrate radiant, sensual maternity, for all those in awe of their partner’s rounded belly and breasts, and for those deeply affected by the generous body of a pregnant woman, Élhée has concocted an easy-to-follow recipe for a spicy romantic holiday before baby arrives.

Taking the time for a closer look at your relationship

Soon, you won’t be two anymore—but three (or maybe more!). Soon, your nights won’t be calm and restful when you need them. Soon, the entire rhythm of your life will change. This new perspective fills you with happiness and excitement, which you’re eager to share with your partner.

And what better way to fully appreciate the importance of the upcoming change than to take a break together? Prenatal vacations dedicated to wellness, contemplation, gentleness, and sensuality.

Antenatal getaways for two

So it’s decided—you’re going on vacation. With your mind already far away, you start packing your essentials suitcase: maternity dresses and comfortable shoes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen if you’re heading for the sun, compression stockings if you’re flying, your medical records for emergencies, a first-aid kit validated by your doctor or midwife, and a swimsuit for relaxing in the water.

But since you want to celebrate this moment of freedom, be sure to pack some specially designed lingerie to show off the generous curves of your new body. Special mention to Christina Milian, who excels at this in sexy Savage x Fenty lingerie!

Prefer softer prints and subtler designs? RougeGorge offers a refined Jolie Mam’ maternity collection, while the Breton brand CacheCoeur offers maternity lingerie with clean, delicate lines.

With physical changes and hormones causing surprises, both of you will be dealing with new physical sensitivities, new erogenous zones, new desires, and sometimes even stronger orgasms.

No, the baby bump is not an obstacle to sexuality.

Gentlemen! Plan a cozy vacation together during her pregnancy
  • Start with a dose of surprise
  • Add a heartfelt declaration of love to the woman of your life
  • Choose a nearby destination to avoid fatigue, but make it romantic and/or original
  • Plan it preferably for the second trimester
  • Top it off with a special gift (maternity lingerie, prenatal massage session, jewelry, or bibRond Elhée for the future newborn!)
  • Enjoy the experience on a romantic getaway, between lovers and future parents
Pregnancy: a good time to try new positions

When it comes to sex, anything goes as long as pleasure and mutual consent are present. Even so, while pregnant, get used to:

  • choosing positions that place no pressure on the belly
  • avoiding acrobatic or tiring positions that could be uncomfortable for the mom-to-be
  • noticing positions that cause overly deep, sometimes painful, penetration, and steering clear of those
  • favoring positions where the pregnant woman is on top, seated, straddling, or lying on her side

Whatever your choices in intimacy, always pay close attention to your body, your well-being, and your feelings. As long as you feel good and love each other, you’ll be just fine.

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