Whether planned or not, pregnancy generally brings changes to a relationship—especially when you’re expecting your first child. It can be seen as a transition period toward a new family life, during which many couples enjoy their last moments as “just the two of you.” In this article, you’ll discover the effects pregnancy can have on a couple’s relationship, and you’ll also find plenty of information about how your sex life may evolve during this time.

Couple's life and pregnancy

What challenges does your relationship face during pregnancy?

Beyond the joy of becoming parents, this new adventure naturally brings questions, uncertainties, and sometimes even apprehensions. As the future mom, you feel the changes in your body and the physical connection developing with your little one; your partner, however, experiences pregnancy from the outside: your growing belly, ultrasound images, or the baby’s movements. For your partner, the very idea of becoming a parent can initially feel quite abstract. A feeling of exclusion may sometimes appear during the first weeks. However, it is very likely that they are just as concerned as you are about this new situation and may even wonder whether they will be able to handle this new role as a parent.

Having a child inevitably brings new responsibilities to share between you and your partner—responsibilities that may not have existed before. All these changes can lead to tension in your relationship, sometimes even heightened by your respective expectations and/or pressure from those around you. Of course, pregnancy and the prospect of starting a family together can also strengthen your relationship and have a positive influence on it.

How to deal with apprehensions and doubts?

Even though every relationship is different, certain things can help you and your partner cope with moments of doubt and conflicts that may arise during this period. For example, you can approach this new chapter more calmly by making concrete plans and thinking about your future together: How do you envision your future? How do you see the division of chores in your household? What are your principles of education? Think about it on your own, then communicate. your ideas and expectations to your partner.

Sometimes, tensions arise when one partner seems to react less emotionally to pregnancy than the other. Of course, you need to accept that each person approaches pregnancy, this new life that is taking shape, and the role of parent differently. Nevertheless, open communication within the couple helps ease these tensions. Talk to your partner about your feelings, and share your doubts and concerns. Discuss your states of mind together to understand each other better. It is often said that communication, honesty, and understanding are key in a relationship. The more you talk in order to understand each other, the easier it will be to find a compromise between the two of you!

How to involve your partner in the pregnancy?

Many activities can help you involve your partner in the pregnancy; here are some we’ve compiled:

• Together, go to medical appointments : ultrasounds, in particular, are a great way for your partner to connect with your baby. Try to schedule these exams outside of your partner’s working hours, as unlike you, they may not be able to take time off work to attend check-up appointments.

• Attend childbirth preparation classes together; in fact, some sessions are designed specifically for this purpose.

• Enjoy a relaxing abdominal massage with your partner and feel your little one’s movements together. Our anti-stretch mark oil can accompany you during this tender moment.

• Create a cozy nest together for your little adventurer: choose the furniture and accessories for the room, as well as the nursery equipment.

• Choose the future first name(s) together. By the way, if you’re still searching for the perfect name, explore over 13,000 names on our app, available on Apple iOS and Android !

• Enjoy one last romantic getaway and go on a Baby Moon.

• Plan activities together that aren’t solely focused on pregnancy and the baby, but on your relationship: dinner at a restaurant, a movie night, a walk in nature, etc.

When you think about it, you’ll certainly find your own way to enjoy time together before your little adventurer arrives.

Sexuality during pregnancy

Beyond your relationship in general, pregnancy can also affect your sex life, and small adjustments are often necessary. Let’s start with an essential question!

Is it possible to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy?

The answer is: yes! Some misconceptions persist—you may have already heard that sexual intercourse is harmful during pregnancy. This could explain why many future parents hesitate to continue their sex life. Rest assured, this is unfounded. During pregnancy, the cervix is closed by the mucus plug, so your baby is completely protected in the uterus.

The same applies to the fear that sexual intercourse could lead to premature birth. While it is true that prostaglandins contained in male seminal fluid, as well as orgasms, can cause uterine contractions, they cannot trigger labor—even if your due date is near.

If both of you want to, with a few exceptions, nothing prevents you from continuing to make love for the next nine months. On the contrary, it can even have a positive effect on your well-being. Moreover, sexual arousal releases the hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone—the hormone of trust and marital bonding. Continuing your sex life can therefore strengthen your sense of unity and your bond as a couple.

In which cases should sexual intercourse be avoided?

Although there is generally nothing wrong with having sex during pregnancy, caution is advised in certain medical circumstances:

• Infection, bleeding, preterm labor, or pain

• If you are experiencing placenta previa or water loss

• During the first trimester, if you have already had a miscarriage

• During the last quarter, if there is a risk of premature birth

• In case of twin or multiple pregnancy

If any of these points apply to your situation, or if you’re simply not sure whether you can continue your sex life safely, do not hesitate to discuss it with your gynecologist or midwife.

What changes in sexual life during pregnancy?

When you consider all the changes your body goes through during pregnancy, it’s no wonder it has an impact on your sex life and your libido . During pregnancy, your entire body, as well as your sexual organs, has increased blood flow. This can boost your sexual desire, and you may feel caresses and orgasms more intensely. Conversely, some women find intimate caresses uncomfortable or even painful. Once again, communication works wonders. Don’t hesitate to discuss with your partner what feels good for you and what doesn’t. After all, they can’t know how you experience their touch. Look for enjoyable sexual positions together; if one doesn’t work, no worries—try another. As your belly grows rounder, you’ll also need to make small adjustments, so what works in the first trimester may not work in the third.

Did you know? During pregnancy, it is common for vaginal secretions to increase and for lubrication to be amplified. Conversely, some women may experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes—consider a water-based lubricant. Physical changes can affect your sexual desire differently depending on the stage of your pregnancy. During the first quarter , nausea and fatigue can reduce libido in about half of women. When these ailments diminish during the second quarter , most pregnant women feel desire again. For some women, the sensation of becoming a mother and the rounding of the body can boost libido; for others, the decrease in desire noted during the first trimester continues into the second. If this is your case, don’t worry—it is completely normal. After all, your body is undergoing many changes. Try discussing with your partner other ways to share tenderness and complicity together. During the third trimester , it is not uncommon for many women to experience a loss of sexual interest. Physical changes play a significant role: a noticeably rounded belly, difficulty moving, and other discomforts can inhibit libido. Some positions become uncomfortable or tiring. During pregnancy, certain positions such as side-lying, the androgyne, or doggy style are well adapted to the size of the belly. If positions involving penetration need to be discontinued, sexual activity can continue with caresses, masturbation, and oral sex.

Ultimately, every relationship is different, and all couples experience pregnancy in their own way. Communicating your wishes, doubts, and concerns is surely key. Together, find the right adjustments to live this new adventure in harmony—emotionally and sexually.