Besides reproduction, making love is an expression of affection, which is especially important when you are pregnant. Some women find that pregnancy actually increases their sexual desire and pleasure, while others may prefer gentle touching to full intercourse.

CAN INTERCOURSE HARM THE BABY?

To be able to enjoy sex, it is important to know that having sex cannot harm your baby. The developing foetus is well protected in the womb by the amniotic fluid and membranes and the womb itself is sealed, which stays in place until just before the birth. Even deep penetration won't harm the baby, but it should be gentle so that it doesn't cause discomfort.

It is unlikely that intercourse will cause miscarriage, but if you experience bleeding early in pregnancy or you have past history of miscarriage, it is better to avoid intercourse until you have safely crossed first trimester and your pregnancy is well established.

SEXUALITY DURING PREGNANCY

You may discover that middle months of pregnancy are quite erotic. Changes, such as the increase in the size of your breasts, can actually serve to heighten your interest in sex, which in turn leads to an increase in pleasure. Your genitals may also become bigger and the pressure from the growing baby can actually make them more responsive.

Some women experience orgasm for the first time, others find they orgasm more quickly. Experiencing orgasm is perfectly safe, in fact it can be beneficial as the uterus remains hard and firm for several minutes afterwards, almost like a contraction.

You may, even, feel a lessening of desire or even a complete loss of interest in sex. Your husband may feel that he is being rejected, so it is important to find alternative ways of giving each other love and reassurance.

OTHER WAYS TO MAKE LOVE

Talk to each other about how you feel so that together you can find other ways of expressing your love for each other. Skin is the largest sex organ hence stroking and massage are alternative ways of making love, and may at times be more full satisfying than full intercourse.

POSITIONS FOR LOVE-MAKING

As your abdomen grows larger you'll find some positions more comfortable than others. Experiment with positions, which keeps your husband's weight off both you and the baby. Try positions where penetration isn't too deep, with your partner on top, keeping his weight off your abdomen with his arms.