Sexual Health During Pregnancy: Staying Connected in a Changing Body
By Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich, Psychologist & Couples Therapist
Pregnancy is a time of enormous transformation—physically, emotionally, and relationally. As the body changes to support new life, so too does the rhythm of intimacy in a couple’s relationship. Yet sexual health during pregnancy is often surrounded by silence, uncertainty, or even shame.
As a psychologist who works closely with couples during this life stage, I’ve seen how common it is to feel confused or disconnected when it comes to sex during pregnancy. The truth is: every pregnancy is different, every body is different, and every couple will navigate this chapter in their own way. What matters most is creating space for openness, curiosity, and care—for yourself and each other.
What Changes—and Why It Matters
Sexual desire during pregnancy can fluctuate dramatically. Some people feel increased libido due to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow; others feel fatigued, nauseous, or disconnected from their body. Some couples experience an emotional closeness that enhances intimacy, while others feel out of sync—physically or emotionally.
The body changes rapidly. Sensations shift. Breasts may be tender, or feel more like functional parts of the body than sources of pleasure. A growing belly can bring pride, insecurity, or both. Partners may feel nervous about initiating sex—worried about hurting the baby or their partner. Others may feel rejected or uncertain about their role as things evolve.
These experiences are normal. But when they go unspoken, couples can start to misinterpret each other’s reactions, leading to emotional distance. One partner may withdraw, assuming they are unwanted. The other may feel touched-out or overwhelmed, unsure how to explain their experience without hurting the other person’s feelings.
Sexual health during pregnancy isn’t just about physical function or frequency—it’s about communication, attunement, and mutual understanding. It’s about staying emotionally close even as bodies and desires shift.
Common Myths About Sex During Pregnancy
One of the biggest barriers to healthy sexual connection during pregnancy is misinformation. Many couples worry that sex will harm the baby. For most pregnancies that are low-risk, sex is safe throughout all trimesters. But even when sex is medically safe, it may not always feel emotionally or physically comfortable—and that’s okay.
Another myth is that sexual intimacy has to look the same as before pregnancy. In reality, this is a season for creativity, flexibility, and redefining what connection looks like. Intimacy can include touch, massage, cuddling, shared fantasies, or simply being emotionally vulnerable with one another.
Supporting Sexual Connection as a Couple
Pregnancy is not just a physical journey—it’s a relational one. It can be a time of deep bonding if couples are able to stay curious and connected. That begins with permission to talk about sex—openly, gently, and without judgment.
Ask each other:
What feels good for you right now?
What feels off-limits or different?
How can we stay physically close even if our usual routines change?
These questions can open up conversations that reduce anxiety and build intimacy. When partners feel safe to express their needs and limits, it becomes easier to stay sexually and emotionally attuned.
One Tip to Support Your Sexual Health During Pregnancy
Create “non-goal” touch rituals.
One of the most powerful ways to maintain sexual and emotional intimacy during pregnancy is to reconnect with touch—without pressure. Choose one evening a week for what I call non-goal touch: a moment of physical closeness where the goal is not sex, orgasm, or performance, but simply presence.
It could be a 10-minute back rub, lying together while holding hands, or skin-to-skin contact while watching a show. These small acts of connection help reduce performance anxiety, build trust, and remind both partners that physical intimacy can be playful, loving, and safe—even when desire feels uncertain.
At Anna & Salomon: Sex and Couple Health, we understand that pregnancy is a profound chapter in a couple’s journey—not just toward parenthood, but in deepening emotional and physical intimacy. If you and your partner are struggling to stay connected during this time, we’re here to help. Through compassionate, evidence-based care, we support couples in navigating the emotional and sexual changes of pregnancy with greater understanding, closeness, and confidence.
You don’t have to go through it alone.