Russell Crowe says he went without sex for months so he could "perform" to his best on his honeymoon.
His self-imposed sex ban paid off as new wife Danielle Spencer fell pregnant.
Russell said: "We spent a lot of time apart - as in not sharing the same bed. I was determined there would be a lot of pent-up energy on the big night.
"I didn't want to be like my mates and say, 'I couldn't get it up as I was so p***ed'. I think that is horrible as you go to all the effort to get married and I think you should consummate it on the night."
The couple's baby, which Russell says is a boy, is due in January.
Crowe will visit Britain before the birth to promote his new movie Master and Commander, says The Sun.
He and singer-actress Danielle were married on his 800-acre farm near Sydney.