Episode 88: Navigating Sex During Pregnancy and Parenthood
April 29, 2022 by Justin Lehmiller
During pregnancy and parenthood, it’s not uncommon for sex to decrease and/or become less pleasurable. When this happens, it can potentially spill over and create broader relationship and intimacy issues. So how can you maintain satisfying sex lives and relationships during the transition to parenthood? Let’s talk about it! This episode is all about common sexual questions and concerns that arise during pregnancy and parenthood and how you can keep the spark alive once kids enter the picture.
I am joined by Dr. Natalie Rosen, an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Natalie is a sex and relationship therapist who has published over 125 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on sexual dysfunction. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:
- Is it usually safe to have sex during pregnancy?
- What do you need to know when it comes to maintaining sexual satisfaction during pregnancy?
- When can you start having sex again after giving birth? And what do you need to know about sexual health and function in the postpartum period?
- How can new parents navigate discrepancies in sexual desire?
- How are men and women similar vs. different in terms of the sexual concerns they have during parenthood?
- How do you make space (and time) for sex once you have kids?
- When is it time to consult a sex or relationship therapist, and how do you find a competent professional?
To learn more about Natalie or participate in one of her upcoming studies, visit natalieorosen.com. And for more resources and information on navigating sex and parenthood, visit postbabyhankypanky.com
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Credits: Jonathan Raz (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Founder & Owner of Sex and PsychologyDr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He runs the Sex and Psychology blog and podcast and is author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, and a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works.
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