Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?
Sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe for most women, though desire for sex may change during pregnancy’s different stages — and certain adjustments may have to be made.
While sex during pregnancy is generally safe — and sometimes quite satisfying — there are certain circumstances when it may be advised to avoid having sex. Open communication with your partner and your healthcare provider is essential for ensuring safety and addressing any concerns or limitations. Among the more enjoyable changes pregnancy brings to many women is a heightened sex drive and strong orgasms. But common misconceptions can affect how often pregnant women have sex.
As your body changes throughout pregnancy, getting the most enjoyment from sex may call for changes to your usual routine, and that’s okay.
Sex During Pregnancy Is Safe
Working With Your Changing Body
- Lying on your side
- Being on top
- Getting on your hands and knees for rear entry
- Sitting on your partner’s lap
- Oral sex
Also, remember that partnered sex isn’t the only way women can experience pleasure during pregnancy. Sex toys like vibrators are safe to use as long as your doctor hasn’t told you to avoid sex for a medical reason, Gelman-Nisanov says. She notes that they should be cleaned appropriately before and after use and stored in a clean, dry place.
Benefits of Having Sex During Pregnancy
There are many benefits to having sex while pregnant, including:
- Increased Desire and Stronger Orgasms Sex may be on your mind a lot during the second trimester because of an increase in blood flow to the vagina and higher hormone levels, explains Gelman-Nisanov. The vagina becomes engorged and vaginal lubrication increases. As a result, your desire to have sex rises and orgasms become stronger.
- Improved Mood and Health Orgasms release endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. They can help with headaches and other pain, heart health, self-confidence, sleep, and stress.
- Strengthened Emotional Bond Maintaining a healthy sex life during pregnancy fosters a closer emotional connection with your partner, which is especially valuable during a period of significant change.
- Increased Physical Activity Engaging in sexual activity can burn calories, aiding in both partners’ fitness and activity levels.
How to Play It Safe
- You’re at risk for a miscarriage.
- You’re at risk for preterm labor, or giving birth before 37 weeks.
- You have placenta previa, in which the placenta is covering the cervical opening.
- You’re experiencing vaginal bleeding. Spotting is normal, but severe or persistent cramping or heavy bleeding warrants immediate medical attention from an ob-gyn. Spotting after vaginal sex is common due to minor cervix blood vessel irritation, lasting up to 48 hours, but heavy bleeding requiring a pad warrants contacting your healthcare provider.
- You have a short cervix, which increases risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, or if the cervix has opened.
Expect pregnancy to bring waves of changes — physical, emotional, and sexual. By listening to your body and recognizing your needs, you will be better able to enjoy the unique pleasures of this special time in your life.
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Sources
- Fernández-Carrasco, FJ et al. Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review. Public Health Reviews. January 19, 2024.
- Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy? American Pregnancy Association.
- Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy? American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. February 2021.
- Sex During Pregnancy. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. November–December 2022.
- Sex During Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not. Mayo Clinic. July 22, 2022.
- Gumusay M et al. Investigation of Sexual Function and Body Image of Pregnant Women and Sexual Function of Their Partners. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 2021.
- Daescu AMC et al. The Paradox of Sexual Dysfunction Observed During Pregnancy. Healthcare. July 2023.
- Orgasm. Cleveland Clinic. May 9, 2022.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding. Office on Women’s Health. February 22, 2021.
- Vaginal Gas. Cleveland Clinic. September 20, 2022.