Curriculum Topic: Educator Demonstration, Virtual Friendly
Activity Type: Healthy Birth Practice 1, Pregnancy
Supplies: Graphs, or Powerpoint
Instructions:
Use the "Emotions During Pregnancy" graph or a powerpoint to show milestones during a guided discussion.
Talking Points:
Emphasize that the pregnant woman and her partner may experience these milestones at different times during pregnancy. For instance, the pregnant woman usually accepts the pregnancy much sooner than does her partner.
Discuss the importance of good communication and listening skills. Changes in a couple’s sexual relationship may or may not come up during class discussions. However, it is usually on almost everyone’s mind and you should bring it up. It could be addressed with “mood swings,” “concern over partner,” “feeling unattractive,” or even “fear of injury. Reassure students that it is normal for there to be ups and downs in desire during pregnancy. Some women are so tired and/ or nauseous during the first trimester that sex is the last thing on their minds. During the second trimester, many women experience an increased desire for sex as increased blood volume in the genital area makes sex more pleasurable than ever before. Fatigue and the size of the uterus may have a negative effect in the third trimester. Some men are apprehensive that they may cause premature labor or spontaneous release of the membranes during intercourse. Or they worry that the baby “knows” what they are doing. Some educators will show an amnihook during this discussion and say that penises rarely have the necessary hook on the end that is necessary to break the bag of waters. Students need to know that there is a recommended period of abstinence from intercourse for several weeks after the birth as the mother’s tissues heal. Emphasize the importance of honest communication and alternative methods of pleasuring one another. It is often said that the greatest gift parents can give their child is a strong, healthy relationship between the two parents. Sex is an important part of that relationship.
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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