Baby on board... Pregnancy and sexuality
By Dr Sandrine Atallah, MD, sex therapist, hypnotherapist
Pregnancy can be the ideal moment to envisage the couple sexuality under a new light. Free from any procreation outcome, sexuality can become a tremendous experience for the future parents, either by intensification of their sexual complicity, or through mutual discovery. For centuries, sexuality during the pregnancy period has been considered as a taboo subject, mainly because desire and pleasure are its only purpose. Cultural, social or family standards raised many obstacles prohibiting future parents to enjoy their sexual life during pregnancy. It is all the more regrettable to notice that except in the event of complications - in which case sexual relations turn out contraindicated - the fears related to sexuality during pregnancy are sometimes maintained by healthcare professionals themselves. We understand this period as a phase of fulfillment, discovery, it also can be an opportunity to resolve past difficulties. It is necessary to accompany the women in this acceptance of an "other" sexuality during pregnancy, while helping man to understand that getting prepared to be father does not prevent him at all from remaining a lover.
The sexuality evolves during four sequential phases of the pregnancy...
