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The body changes drastically from the moment of conception. And, those changes continue not only through the next nine to ten months, but for weeks and possibly months after your new bundle of joy arrives. Women are beautiful, sensual and sexual creatures. Yet, for many, once they discover they are pregnant the idea of being sensual or sexual quickly evaporates.
There are many reasons that this may be the case. For example, “Morning sickness”, new hormones running rampant, weight gain. Maybe an unsupportive partner, the upcoming financial strain of a new child, your body image or other health concerns are all potential reasons you may not feel sensual or sexy during all or part of your pregnancy. So, is it even really possible to have a sensual pregnancy? Yes!
First of all, be aware that being sensual does not necessarily mean the same thing as being sexual. Sensuality is about gratifying the senses. Become more fully present in the moment and become fully aware of your body and your emotions.
While pregnant your sense of smell and sense of taste may very well become heightened. Eating delicious foods, especially ones you may have cravings for, can be shared with your lover. Savor in your heightened taste sensations. Slowly bite into that fresh piece of fruit. Take your time lifting the spoon to your mouth, close your lips around it and slowly remove it as you pull this wonderfully delicious treat onto your tongue.
Allow a soft, pleasure-filled moan to escape from your throat. It doesn’t matter if you are early on in your pregnancy with no baby bump or if you are nine months along and your yummy food is balanced on your baby belly instead of the table. Your lover is likely to get turned on by your sensual eating. You can add to the experience by having him/her feed you these tasty bites. You can even choose to close your lips around his/her fingers as you are fed.
As your tummy begins to grow be proud of it instead of insecure about your expanding girth. Opt for clothing that accentuates your baby bump instead of wearing big, sloppy clothing in an attempt to hide it. This is a special time in your life, whether planned or not. Take into consideration that not everyone can offer a baby a safe and sacred space to grow in. Yet, here you are doing just that. Honoring the rigorous, yet divine, work your body is capable of is beautiful. Wearing attractive clothing is always a great way to help you feel more sensual and sexier. Being pregnant doesn’t change that. There are a lot of spouses/partners who find pregnant women highly attractive. Together, you created a child, therefore, together you can relish in the sexy changes in your body.
Being pregnant means your body is increasing its blood flow and increasing the secretions from oil glands. These changes are what help give you that pregnancy “glow”. Your cheeks may be pinker and your skin shimmers from the extra oil. You also glow energetically. We all emit light energy. It is our life force energy. You may better understand it as your aura.
Now, consider that you are carrying another life inside of you and his/her little life force energy is also emitting light. It is no wonder that you seem to “glow” during pregnancy because you really are glowing. And, more often than not others are drawn to the light. This means you may be even more attractive to some than normal. Look at yourself in the mirror. Run your hands over your body and feel the difference in your skin. Allow your lover to do the same. Together you can celebrate the new life your lovemaking is bringing into the world.
Oftentimes, as your body grows heavy with child you may really want and/or need a foot rub, a back rub or even a tummy rub. This is a beautiful time to experience a sensual massage from your honey. He/she can enjoy exploring the changes in your body as you relax and focus on the sensation of his/her touch. If the two of you progress to a more intimate sensual massage, you can release oxytocin and thereby ease any pregnancy pain you may have been experiencing. As you probably already know, as you become sexually aroused the body releases this feel-good hormone. But, did you know that with the increased blood flow, your labia may become engorged during these months. This offers the potential for a new orgasmic experience.
Feeling sensual and sharing in lovemaking with your beloved are not only things you can and should enjoy during your pregnancy, but they are very beneficial for you, your lover, and your unborn baby. For women, pleasure and orgasm are excellent for mental and emotional health as well as physical health. In fact, as you are preparing for labor and delivery, know that semen has a hormone called relaxin, which softens the cervix and lengthens the pelvic ligaments. This hormone can be received orally as well. What a great way to encourage and assist your baby’s entrance into the world.
Experiencing sensuous pleasure throughout your pregnancy can lead to a quicker and easier delivery. It doesn’t guarantee it, but either way you can relish in the sensuality of your pregnancy. Wait! You don’t feel like having sex with your partner? No problem. You do not have to have intercourse. You can experience pleasure orally. You can pleasure yourself.
Of course, due to the increased hormonal activity in the body many women find themselves feeling far more sensual as well as more sexually aroused throughout their pregnancy. You may or may not be one of those women, but you can increase your sensuality simply by honoring you, your body and the changes that are taking place.
Experiencing and enjoying your sensuality and your sexuality throughout your pregnancy will help your body prepare for the birth. This can also deepen the intimate bond with your partner.
One final note for you – while you are in labor if you visualize making love to your sweetheart, you will actually be helping yourself to relax vaginally. This is a natural way to offer yourself assistance during this experience and may even lead you to have an orgasmic birth.
(*Only participate in sexual activity if your heart is healthy enough and you are not experiencing any other serious health issues.)
Dr. Janelle Alex, Ph.D. and Rob Alex, M.Sc. are writers, counselors as well as Sacred and Sensual Teachers. They recently completed an eBook called "Sexy Challenges: Sacred and Sensual Experiences for Lovers" which is on sale at Amazon! Learn more about them at Inward Oasis.
