• The Knot
  • The Nest
  • The Bump
|

Sex Q&A: Am I Wrong to Expect This?

Q.

The Nest Q&AI'm pregnant and my husband doesn't want to have sex. Am I wrong to expect it?

A.

In an ideal world, you're absolutely right; there should be compromise in the bedroom just as there should be compromise in every other aspect of a relationship. But because we're living in the real world and this is a temporary situation, you may have to take things slower than you want to. While it's perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy, some men get anxious about potentially hurting the baby -- or you! Reassure him that nothing bad will happen, and eventually he may warm up to the idea. If he still shies away from it, ask him to pleasure you with his hands or use a vibrator to stimulate you to orgasm. Psst...you can also masturbate and stimulate yourself -- pregnant or not.

Nestpert Dr. Pam Spurr, author of Make Love All Night & Talk to Him in the Morning and Naughty Tricks and Sexy Tips: A Couple's Guide to Uninhibited Sexual Pleasure

-- The Nest Editors

Feb 10, 2009

See More: Sex Q&A , Love & Sex

share your opinion on this topic
Want to participate? Log in to share your thoughts.

I think that this answer is shying away from the fact that some men just don't find pregnant women to be attractive. What do you do then?

by fnordess on Aug 18, 2009

He made you that way, he should still be willing to love you in the most intimate way! You are still his love, why shouldn't he have to show it??

by Lanette001 on Nov 18, 2009

This topic actually inspired me to sign up for this site. I am one who DOES find pregnant women attractive. I had a co-worker who's wife I never gave a second look to, just kind of plain looking and a attitude (which is a bigger turn off). I was visiting them one day and couldn't keep my eyes off her. I later asked him if she was pregnant. He say's "yes, how'd you know?". I could just tell. But to say a man should have to be intimate when she is pregnant is like saying she has to be intimate when she is pregnant, even is she doesn't want to or feel like it.

by coppertop412 on Dec 05, 2009

I think you seriously need to sit down and have a talk with him to find out why. Does he think he is going to hurt you or maybe even the maybe? Have him go with you to the doctor and let the doctor inform him that it is perfectly safe. My doctor actually told me to have intercourse to induce labor. (it worked for me within 24 hours I was in delivery)

by vlynn635 on Dec 15, 2009

I don't see how guys have a problem with this. My wife is pregnant for a second time and while sure her body isn't skinny like it was, she's still beautiful an I would gladly have sex anytime with her! I think pregnant women can be gorgeous, but it comes down to you OWNING it. If you feel you are still beautiful, we can tell!

by BigTrev on Jan 20, 2010

WOW MAYBE HES JUST WORRIED HE MIGHT HURT THE BABY WHO KNOWS...BUT NOT ALL MEN ARE THE SAME. TALKING ABOUT IT IS SOMETHING TO DO.

by Trippy331 on Mar 25, 2010

I will say... after around 6 months or so, sex gets akward... and a lot of guys think silly things like "I don't want to poke the baby"... guys... its not going to happen... find new ways to lay, let your guy know that he's not going to hurt you OR the baby... maybe he's just worried ??

by mrsdixon926 on Jun 21, 2010

I hate to say it but it sounds like you married an a**hole. If your larger pregnant belly turns him off, then he probably wasn't into you peronally to begin with. Couples therapy might be worth a try, but it sounds like this guy is extremely superficial and self absorbed. What's going to happen after you have the baby? Are your stretch marks and saggy boobs going to turn him off too? If so, he might be gay. Get to the bottom of it and find out if you should still be wasting your time with someone who only loves you when you look a certain way.

by velvet_briarpatch@bust.com on Aug 20, 2010

I don't think ur wrong to expect sex. My husband is having the same issues and it's just annoying. Coppertop412, I have sex ALL THE TIME with my husband when I don't feel like it because I feel it's one of my marital responsibilities. In fact, he has rejected me so many more times than I ever have him. He has to be in the mood, he can't be too tired or certain things don't work, etc., etc. (But look out when he is in the mood as no peace can be found until that is taken care of...) And to add insult to injury, since I've been pregnant he looks at porn on the internet instead of having sex with me. He's the one that wanted to be pregnant--not that I don't--but I am suffering--literally--all of the consequences. Some guys don't find pregnant women attractive--not saying this is ur husband and I wouldn't call him an a**hole just because he doesn't feel like having sex even if it is that reason...that's just the way it is for some men and I don't think it's controllable. Mine is afraid of sooooo many things and he is a stubborn man so every doctor in the world could say it's perfectly safe and he wouldn't care. I find it selfish--very, very selfish, but then, that is my husband, too and I knew that before I married him. So, maybe ur husband has some fears, too--guys aren't so in to sharing their feelings, you know? My best advice--take matters in to ur own hands--again, literally--and enjoy.

by nikonD300 on Jan 05, 2011

my husband was afraid of hurting babies and sometimes me. bring up the topic with your doctor while your husband is present. then he has a professional letting him know it is okay.

by pager63 on Mar 18, 2011