For women, pregnancy often creates an increased need for physical affection -- a craving that may be greater than the desire for sexual satisfaction. Pregnancy is a wonderful time to explore aspects of making love such as cuddling, holding each other and discovering new positions and new ways of pleasuring.

Many women experience added sensitivity during pregnancy and find orgasms lasting longer than when they're not pregnant. But though intercourse can be very welcome, just talking and holding hands can also be very intimate.

Staying Close
Advice on sexual behavior during this period in a couple's life depends not only on medical circumstances, but also on the individuals involved. In most cases, it's safe to continue to make love throughout the pregnancy, but this is something all couples should confirm with their healthcare provider.

There's no evidence that intercourse in the last trimester causes premature labor, and studies show no difference in birth weight, length of pregnancy or health of the fetus related to intercourse during that time. The hormone prostaglandin, which is sometimes used to induce labor, is present in semen, but not in amounts sufficient to induce labor. And having intercourse won't rupture your membranes.