Is It Safe to Have Sex While Pregnant

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If you're pregnant, it's common to worry that having sex might harm your pregnancy. There are plenty of myths about how sex could injure the fetus or trigger a miscarriage or labor.

In fact, fear of hurting the fetus is the most common reason people give for not having sex during pregnancy.

But if you do want to have sex while pregnant, rest assured that if you have a low-risk pregnancy, most sexual activity is safe. However, if you have certain risks or pregnancy complications, you may be advised to avoid sex during part or all of your pregnancy.

Here, we'll cover when it's safe to have sex while pregnant, how to make it safer and more comfortable, and when you should hold off.

Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?

Most of the time, it's safe to have sex during pregnancy. That includes vaginal and oral sex. And it includes masturbation and orgasms.

But if you have certain medical conditions or pregnancy complications, you may be advised to not have sex. We'll cover those situations below.

When to avoid sex

If you have certain risks or pregnancy complications, your OB-GYN or midwife may advise you to refrain from sex during part of all of your pregnancy. These risks and complications include the following:

• You have a diagnosis of placenta previa. This is when the placenta partly or completely covers the opening to your cervix. It can lead to severe bleeding.

• You have an incompetent cervix. This is when the cervix begins to open too early.

• You have a history of preterm labor or birth (before 37 weeks).

• You're experiencing signs of preterm labor during your current pregnancy, such as uterine contractions.

• Your water breaks early.

Other risks include:

• Having a previous miscarriage

• Carrying multiple fetuses (such as twins)

• Having unexplained symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, cramping, or discharge

• Experiencing leaking of amniotic fluid

• You or your partner have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

What to expect during sex by trimester

Many people find that their interest in having sex - and the pleasure they get from it - changes throughout their pregnancy. This is a normal effect of both physical and emotional changes that can occur.

While every pregnant woman's experience is different, there are some common experiences people have in each of the three trimesters.

First trimester

During the first 3 months of pregnancy, it's common to feel a stronger libido due to changing hormone levels. But at the same time, there are certain symptoms in the first trimester that may lower your desire for sex.

These may include:

• Morning sickness

• Fatigue

• Sore breasts

• Mood swings

• Frequent need to urinate

Second trimester

In the second trimester, desire for sex can return, as symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue lessen. During this trimester, sex may feel even more pleasurable. That's because your blood volume increases during pregnancy. And this extra blood flow in the vaginal area can increase pleasure. Also, your vaginal walls may have more moisture. This can make sex more pleasurable.

Third trimester

It's pretty common to have less sex or none at all in the third trimester. As your pregnancy grows, you'll generally feel more uncomfortable, and you may experience new aches and pains. Certain sexual positions may become uncomfortable or painful. And you may worry that you're less attractive to your partner. This could lead to less of a desire to have sex.

Best sex positions during pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you may find certain sex positions are no longer comfortable. For example, it may not be comfortable to lie on your stomach if your breasts are sore or as your abdomen grows.

Here are some common positions that may be more comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Missionary

The missionary position is where you lie flat on your back. It seems to be the position of choice during the first trimester, according to one study. But it's not recommended after about the fourth month of pregnancy. It can put pressure on your major blood vessels from the weight of the growing baby. That can decrease blood flow to you and the fetus.

Spooning

This tends to be the most popular position in the second and third trimester. Spooning allows you to lie on your side, which relieves pressure on your stomach. Your partner lies behind you and is able to penetrate you and/or stimulate your clitoris. They can also hold your belly to provide additional comfort.

Sex from behind (doggy style)

You're on your hands and knees in this position, so there's no pressure on your abdomen. It's best for the first and second trimesters. You may have trouble balancing on all fours during the last few months of pregnancy.

You're on top (cowgirl or reverse cowgirl)

You are straddling your partner facing their head (cowgirl) or toward their legs (reverse cowgirl). These are good options for the first and second trimesters, because they won't compress your stomach.

Cowgirl can become less comfortable in the third trimester. That's because it provides deep penetration, which may irritate the cervix.

Reverse cowgirl, however, can still be comfortable in the third trimester. But now that your stomach is bigger, you may want to shift your weight by positioning your arms behind you.

Side-by-side

This position is when you and your partner are lying on your sides. But this time, you're facing each other.

Consider placing a pillow behind you or under your stomach to provide added support.

Sex safety tips and precautions

Even though sex is safe for most pregnant people, there are important precautions you should take when having sex while pregnant.

Condoms

Use a condom if you're having sex with new partners or if your partner is having sex with other people. Unprotected sex increases your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs can be passed to your baby or lead to pregnancy complications.

Oral sex

When you receive oral sex, your partner should never blow air into your vagina. This can cause an air embolism. This is a rare but potentially fatal condition in which an air bubble blocks a blood vessel. It can happen even if you're not pregnant. But when pregnant, it's a risk to you and your fetus.

Anal sex

Be extra cautious if you have anal sex - or avoid it altogether. Anal sex can increase your risk of developing certain infections. You're more vulnerable to developing infections when you're pregnant.

You shouldn't have anal sex if you're pregnant and you have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids tend to get worse during pregnancy. And anal sex can worsen your symptoms or cause hemorrhoid rupture.

Be sure to thoroughly clean anything that was inserted into your anus before inserting it into your vagina.

When to go to seek medical care

Always contact your OB-GYN or healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns about pregnancy sex or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding

• Pain or discharge after sex

• Contractions that continue after sex

Frequently asked questions

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