3 Ways To Boost Your Libido During Pregnancy

Not in the mood? You’re not alone! 67% of our community felt their libido dropped during pregnancy. Not every woman will experience a drop in libido but it’s perfectly normal if you do, you have a lot going on mama! If you’re looking to get in the mood though, we’re sharing some ways to increase your libido, including sleep, masturbation, and food! 

Remember, it’s totally normal and okay not to want to have sex at any time, including when you’re pregnant. Talk to your partner and figure out what feels right to you!

Why might your libido be lower in pregnancy?

1. Hormones. Significant hormone fluctuations are common during pregnancy. In the first trimester hormones like HCG and progesterone surge which can cause nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue which may have you feeling not so hot. On the other hand, your changing hormones may also increase your sex drive, and that’s ok too!

2. Physical Discomfort. A growing belly or back pain can make certain positions difficult or uncomfortable (if you’re looking for safe & comfortable positions we have a post on this here). During pregnancy there is increased blood flow to the pelvic area which can heighten sensitivity - for some women this results in unreal orgasms but for others it could lead to some major discomfort. 

3. Emotions. Pregnancy can bring a wide range of emotions including anxiety, and stress. These emotional factors can impact your sexual desire and lower libido. 

How to increase your libido during pregnancy:

1. Get some sleep 

   Being too tired is one major reason why couples don't have sex. If you lack sleep, it is normal that you don't have any sexual interest – and pregnancy insomnia is real. This study actually showed that 14% of women surveyed were more likely to engage in sexual activity if they got one extra hour of sleep!

   It’s not that easy during pregnancy, but we’ve put together this post on how you can help beat pregnancy insomnia & get the best night’s sleep!

2. Try some aphrodisiacs 

   Ever heard of aphrodisiacs? Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodisiacs are foods that are thought to increase your desire to have sex. Research shows that for the most part, the power of aphrodisiacs is all in our heads, but a placebo effect can be just as effective as anything else, so maybe it's worth a try? Here are some pregnancy-safe foods that are considered aphrodisiacs: 

   Dark chocolate.
   More specifically, cacao, has been considered an aphrodisiac because it contains a compound called phenylethylamine, a mild stimulant that can positively impact your mood. But research shows that women who eat chocolate may actually be less interested in sex than women who don’t. 

   Honey.
   If you can believe it, honey has been considered an aphrodisiac since ancient Greece -- the physician Hippocrates is said to have prescribed honey to patients who needed help with arousal, but there’s no scientific evidence showing that it works. Read: Is It Safe To Eat Honey If You're Pregnant? 

   Oysters.
   Maybe the most famous aphrodisiac of them all is Oysters! These are actually considered an aphrodisiac because of the way they look -- in the Roman Empire, it was through they resembled the female anatomy, but there’s no scientific evidence to show that they actually have an impact on sex drive. During pregnancy, you should only eat oysters that have been fully cooked. 

   Strawberries.
   Despite their popularity as an aphrodisiac, there's no evidence that Strawberries have any effect on libido -- but that doesn't mean that chocolate-covered strawberries can't be sensual right?! 

   Capsaicin.
   One study did conclude that capsaicin - the active component of chili peppers - improved sexual behavior in male rats, but there’s no research that suggests the same might be true for humans.

   Foods that have been studied for their libido-increasing properties but have not been tested for use during pregnancy, include maca (a South American root vegetable), Ginkgo (a herb), Ginseng, Tribulus terrestris (a herbal supplement).

3. Try masturbating

   Research suggests that masturbating does increase your sex drive! In 2007 a study found that women who masturbated more often had a greater desire to masturbate, along with higher testosterone levels (low testosterone levels can result in lower libido in some cases). 

   And yes – it is safe to masturbate during pregnancy! Unless instructed otherwise, masturbating is entirely safe during pregnancy, as is the use of sexual aids! 
   

Read next: 

5 Things You Didn't Know About Pregnancy Orgasms

5 Safe & Comfortable Sex Positions For Pregnancy 

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