During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman can expect which of the following changes in her sexual desire?

Question

1. An increase because of enlarging breasts
2. A decrease because of nausea and fatigue
3. No change in the first trimester
4. An increase because of increased levels of female hormones

Answer 1

2
1. Incorrect. During pregnancy, the breasts may become enlarged and tender; this tends to interfere with coitus, thereby decreasing the desire to engage in sexual activity.
2. Correct. Maternal physiologic changes, such as breast enlargement, nausea, fatigue, ab-dominal changes, perineal enlargement, leukorrhea, pelvic vasocongestion, and orgasmic responses, may affect sexuality and sexual expression. Libido may be depressed in the first trimester but often increases during the second and third trimesters.
3. Incorrect. Libido may be depressed in the first trimester but often increases during the second and third trimesters.
4. Incorrect. Maternal physiologic changes, such as breast enlargement, nausea, fatigue, abdominal changes, perineal enlargement, leukorrhea, pelvic vasocongestion, and orgasmic responses, may affect sexuality and sexual expression.