C. FEELINGS OF THE PREGNANT WOMAN

Pregnancy is a period of growth and changes. Your body changes and so do your feelings.

You may notice that your feelings change often and sometimes very quickly. You will have emotional ups and downs. One minute you will feel happy and the next minute you will feel depressed. These mood swings can be surprising but are normal reactions to all the changes that occur during pregnancy.


 

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a. Sharing Your Feelings

Pregnancy is a normal step in life, but it is also a time when you have to face many changes. Even if you and your partner are happy about the pregnancy, all these changes can be stressful for the couple.

If important events happen in your life that increase your level of stress, try to get outside help to decrease this stress.

Here are a few tips to decrease your level of stress.

Don't let your worries pile up. Talk about your problems and solve them before they take over. If you feel overwhelmed by certain events and can't find a solution, you may need professional help. For your well-being and the well-being of your baby, do not hesitate to ask for help.

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b. Violence Against Women

Violence against women often begins during the first pregnancy. All forms of violence can be harmful and must be taken seriously.

There are different types of violence. The following table will help you recognize the different types.

A woman victim of violence can feel anxious, depressed, have little self-esteem, take drugs and alcohol, have difficulty sleeping and lose her appetite.

Physical aggressions during pregnancy can cause serious injuries to the mother and bring about a premature birth or a low birth weight baby. The baby could also have broken bones or a hemorrhage. Certain mothers have lost their babies following physical violence.

If you are a victim of violence during your pregnancy, you probably feel alone. You need help immediately.

Nobody deserves to be treated badly, certainly not your baby. Talk to someone about your feelings and concerns. This person may be your health care provider, a public health nurse, a member of the clergy, or anybody you trust can help you.

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c. Sexuality

Your sexuality is part of you. Since your life, your body, and your feelings change during your pregnancy, so do your sexual desires.

In most cases it is normal and without risk to have sexual relations. If your pregnancy is going well, sexual relations will not harm the baby.

However, the health care provider may advise you to avoid sexual relations in the following situations:

  • If your placenta is attached on the lower part of your uterus near the cervix. This situation is referred to as placenta previa.
  • If your cervix opened too soon during a previous pregnancy. This situation is referred to as cervical incompetence.
  • If you had premature labour without a reason during a previous pregnancy.
  • If there is a possibility that you could go into labour too soon or have a miscarriage.
  • If your water has broken.
  • If you or your partner has an infection including sexually transmitted infections (STI)

If your health care provider advises you to avoid sexual relations, don't forget to ask when you can begin having sexual relations again.

It is normal that your sexual desires as well as your partner's sexual desires change during your pregnancy. Many things can influence you and your partner's attitude regarding sex. The best thing to do is to talk to each other and try to understand each other's feelings.

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Test Your Knowledge

 
 

The following exercise will answer many questions you may have about sexuality during pregnancy.

Click on the option button that matches the correct answer and validate your answer by clicking on the «Check» button.

1

During pregnancy sexual relations with penetration

a) can cause a miscarriage during the first months.
b) can cause a premature delivery during the last months.
c) can continue without risk.
d) can harm the baby.
Right answer! There is no scientific proof that sexual relations can provoke a miscarriage at the beginning of pregnancy and a premature delivery at the end of pregnancy. Sexual relations cannot harm the baby because the baby is well protected in its amniotic fluid sac inside its mother's uterus. Wrong answer! There is no scientific proof that sexual relations can provoke a miscarriage at the beginning of pregnancy and a premature delivery at the end of pregnancy. Sexual relations cannot harm the baby because the baby is well protected in its amniotic fluid sac inside its mother's uterus.

Check your answer

2

During the three first months of pregnancy, the woman's sexual desires

a) don't change.
b) increase a great deal.
c) are non existent.
d) are often diminished.
Right answer! During the three first months of pregnancy, women who are often nauseous and tired could see their sexual desires decreased considerably. The breasts which are often very sensitive can cause unpleasant sensations or even pain during sexual intercourse. Don't worry it will get better over the next few months.Wrong answer! During the three first months of pregnancy, women who are often nauseous and tired could see their sexual desires decreased considerably. The breasts which are often very sensitive can cause unpleasant sensations or even pain during sexual intercourse. Don't worry it will get better over the next few months.

Check your answer

3

During pregnancy, the man's sexual desires

a) don't change.
b) increase a great deal.
c) are non existent.
d) vary from one man to another.
Right answer! Men's sexual desires vary a lot. Certain men keep a very vivid desire for their partner while others distance themselves. Certain men don't like the thought of having sexual relations with a woman about to become a mother. Many men consider the breasts and the round belly of pregnant women to be quite sexy. Others think differently. The important thing is to talk about it in order to understand his feelings.Wrong answer! Men's sexual desires vary a lot. Certain men keep a very vivid desire for their partner while others distance themselves. Certain men don't like the thought of having sexual relations with a woman about to become a mother. Many men consider the breasts and the round belly of pregnant women to be quite sexy. Others think differently. The important thing is to talk about it in order to understand his feelings.

Check your answer

4

If you do not feel like making love during pregnancy, the best thing to do is

a) make your partner understand that he must leave you alone until after the delivery.
b) discuss with your partner and find other ways to share physical intimacy.
c) continue having sexual relations in order not to displease your partner.
d) talk it over with your doctor.
Right answer! Sex and sexuality are two different things. Even though you do not feel like making love or have fewer desires, you may have more need for other forms of intimacy such as kissing, hugging, and petting. Don't hesitate to enjoy this with your partner.Wrong answer! Sex and sexuality are two different things. Even though you do not feel like making love or have fewer desires, you may have more need for other forms of intimacy such as kissing, hugging, and petting. Don't hesitate to enjoy this with your partner.

Check your answer

5

For the pregnant woman, the best time to appreciate sexual relations is usually

a) during the first three months (first trimester).
b) between the 4th and 6th month (second trimester).
c) during the last three months (last trimester).
d) throughout the entire pregnancy.
Right answer! The second trimester is generally the most pleasant period of the pregnancy. The woman can feel the baby move and her bellyis not too big yet. For certain women there is an increase of sexual desire and pleasure. Even though an orgasm provokes contractions of the uterus, there is no danger for the baby if the pregnancy is going well. Enjoy! Wrong answer! The second trimester is generally the most pleasant period of the pregnancy. The woman can feel the baby move and her bellyis not too big yet. For certain women there is an increase of sexual desire and pleasure. Even though an orgasm provokes contractions of the uterus, there is no danger for the baby if the pregnancy is going well. Enjoy!

Check your answer

6

Near the end of the pregnancy when the belly becomes too large, the best thing to do is

a) stop having sexual relations with penetration.
b) continue sexual relations even if they are uncomfortable.
c) be creative in your way of making love.
d) find a comfortable position for the woman.
Right answer! As your body and shape change, certain preferred positions become difficult if not impossible. This is the occasion for both of you to become creative. You may try new positions, manual stimulation, oral sex, but with the following precautions: blowing air in the vagina during pregnancy can cause serious complications. If neither one feels like having sexual relations, try other forms of intimacy. Massages, petting, kissing, and hugging are some examples. Wrong answer! As your body and shape change, certain preferred positions become difficult if not impossible. This is the occasion for both of you to become creative. You may try new positions, manual stimulation, oral sex, but with the following precautions: blowing air in the vagina during pregnancy can cause serious complications. If neither one feels like having sexual relations, try other forms of intimacy. Massages, petting, kissing, and hugging are some examples.

Check your answer
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d. The Importance of Taking Time For Yourself

Enjoy your pregnancy and take care of yourself. Remember that taking care of yourself is a good way to get ready to take care of your baby.

Here are a few suggestions for taking care of yourself during your pregnancy.

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