Is Horniness an Early Sign of Pregnancy or Your Period? Let’s Talk Hormones

We’ve all been there. Those times when you’re looking at your partner with nothing but ‘bedroom eyes’ and hoping they’ll pick up what you’re putting down. When you know what you want, and you’re determined to get it (consensually, of course). Yep, we’re talking about horniness at different times in your cycle.

But what does it all mean? Is it a precursor to Aunt Flo knocking at your door, or could there be a baby on the way? Spoiler alert: it could be either. 🙃

And who’s to blame? Well, as always (pretty much), it’s hormones. These chemical messengers can influence our desires, including our desire for some sexy time.

But how can you tell why you’re feeling horny? Is it a sign of pregnancy or your period? Let’s find out, with the help of women’s health expert, Kellie Leonard.

In this article: 📝

Is horniness an early sign of your period?

Not really, no — feeling ‘in the mood’ (😏) isn’t a typical sign that your period’s just a few days away.

Why? Well, let’s take a look at our menstrual cycles — pinpointing two particular hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate throughout the month, impacting everything from your mood to your skin (and yes, your libido!).

• Menstruation: The lining of your uterus sheds (your period arrives), and hormone levels reset for the next cycle.
• Follicular phase: Estrogen starts to rise. This can sometimes lead to a heightened sex drive for some women, right after your period up to ovulation.
• Ovulation: Estrogen peaks, and your fertile window for conception starts. This is when many women experience their highest libido. [1,2]
• Luteal phase: Progesterone takes center stage, preparing your body for a possible pregnancy. This phase can often bring on pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), which might include a decrease in sex drive for some.

So your luteal phase is the part of your menstrual cycle before your period starts, and the hormones peaking at that time aren’t really linked to an increased sex drive. [3]

But that’s not to say you can’t feel horny in your luteal phase — you might be experiencing a spike in testosterone, which can boost your sex drive. Or it might not be hormonal — you could just be having some random, sexy thoughts that are turning you on. 🤷‍♀️

😏 In the mood? Does Ovulation Make You Horny?

Does being pregnant make you horny?

Yes, you can get a high sex drive during pregnancy — mainly thanks to those fluctuating pregnancy hormones, mainly estrogen. But, as with all things pregnancy-related, it’s not as simple as that — a decrease in libido is also super common during pregnancy.

Fatigue, nausea, morning sickness, and body image changes can all put a damper on your desire for some lovin'. Plus, first-trimester symptoms like food aversions and constant bathroom breaks might not exactly set the mood. [4,5]

Some women experience an increased libido during pregnancy, while others feel less interested in sex — here’s what our moms-to-be of Peanut had to say about their experiences:

• “I didn't feel sexy, I was nauseous all the time and having sex hurt like hell. My husband and I only had sex 5 times when I was preggo.” — TaShara
• “My first, no [horniness]. My second, extremely [horny]. 🤣” — Brittany
• “My sex drive was through the roof when pregnant. It was also because I was much more confident when pregnant.” — Kellie
• “First/second trimester, not really [horny]. Third trimester, yes.” — Izzie
• “With our first, I didn’t wanted to be loved but not touched the entire pregnancy. With our second, I was Little Caesars Hot n (always) Ready! 🥴🤣” — Ranecia
• “I haven’t had sex since I was in my first trimester and I was only doing it to please my partner.” — Madison
• “My and my BF only had sex maybe 3 times my whole pregnancy. I’m just not interested, as much as I love him.” — Nel
• “My first pregnancy, yes [I was horny] all the time, my second pregnancy the thought of sex made me nauseous, on my third and some days I can’t even fathom having sex.” — Kai
• “In the beginning, definitely [horny], but in the second trimester it was a hit and miss, and the ending, nope! Didn't want to even be touched.” — Maria
• “After the first 3 months when nausea fades, I just can't get enough sex.” — Kyla
• “Being pregnant has made me want him all the damn time. Even after having sex, I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night ready for another round!” — Tanaka-Grace
• “I’m the same… 34 weeks, huge and horny. 🙈” — Fiona
• “I lost my sex drive until I was around 37 weeks, it's come back at the last part of my pregnancy, I feel crazy for it. 😂” — Shauna
• “I was insatiable 🤤after my second trimester!” — Kimberly
• “1st pregnancy I was… super horny all the time. 2nd pregnancy with twins, not so much.” — Kat

Either way, know that it is a temporary feeling — whether you’re feeling like a sex goddess or you just fancy a cuddle, this, too, shall pass.

🥵 Bump ‘n’ grind: Can You Have Sex While Pregnant?

Does pregnancy make you more attached to your partner?

It depends. While there's no scientific evidence that pregnancy automatically makes you feel closer to your partner, the shared experience of creating a tiny human can definitely be a bonding experience.

Imagine the excitement of feeling your baby kick for the first time, or picking out names together – these moments can create a powerful sense of connection. If you’re not feeling connected, communication is your best friend during pregnancy, both for your relationship and your own well-being.

Talk openly about your feelings, anxieties, and expectations. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed and need extra support, or perhaps you're craving some quality time with your partner. Sharing your needs helps your partner understand you better and allows them to support you in the ways you need most.

Every couple's journey is unique. There will be ups and downs, moments of pure joy, and maybe some moments where you just want to crawl into a hole and have a good cry (totally normal, by the way!). The best thing you can do is focus on open communication and building a strong support system — both for yourself and your partner.

When does horniness start in pregnancy?

There are a couple of points in pregnancy where your horniness might peak, according to our Peanut moms-to-be, but for some, the science tells a different story:

• Implantation horniness: There's a popular theory about a surge in libido around implantation (when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining), sometimes called “implantation horniness”. This could be down to changing hormones. Typically, though, many pregnant people experience a decrease in libido in early pregnancy.
• Second trimester horniness: Pregnancy can trigger a heightened sex drive for some women, especially during the second trimester (think months 4-6). This spicy twist is thanks to a surge in estrogen and blood flow to the genitals. [6]

When does horniness peak in pregnancy?

Peak horniness during pregnancy tends to be around the second trimester. The nausea and general ‘getting used to pregnancy’ feelings from the first trimester are going away, and hormone levels are running high. [7]

Then, into the third trimester, your sex drive during pregnancy might start to dip — hey, growing a baby is exhausting enough without getting hot and heavy!

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When to see a doctor about pregnancy horniness

Generally, horniness alone isn't a reason to rush to the doctor. Increased sex drive can happen during both your period and early pregnancy, thanks to hormonal fluctuations (your body's a complex machine, right?).

But there are some situations where scheduling a doctor's appointment is a smart move:

• You're experiencing other early pregnancy symptoms: Morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, and breast tenderness are all common in early pregnancy. If you're feeling a combo of these along with the horniness, it's a good idea to get checked for pregnancy, especially if you've been trying to conceive.
• You're concerned about unprotected sex: If you've had unprotected sex recently and are worried about pregnancy, a doctor can perform a pregnancy test and discuss your options. They can also provide information about emergency contraception if that's a route you'd like to explore (but remember, it's most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex).
• You have any other questions or concerns: Listen, your body is yours, and your comfort matters. If the horniness (or anything else) is freaking you out, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. They're there to answer your questions and guide you through this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) time.

💦 DIY? Pregnant Masturbation: What to Know & 10 Tips

So, there you have it! The confusing world of horniness and your cycle (and pregnancy!) is a little clearer now.

Remember, your amazing body is a complex machine, and hormonal fluctuations can make your sex drive a bit of a roller coaster. Embrace the ride, listen to your body's unique signals, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have any questions. After all, knowledge is power, and feeling empowered is sexy at any point in your cycle.

And if you want to chat with other women who get what you’re going through, you’re always welcome to join us on Peanut. We’re having the conversation.