Sex During Pregnancy

Sex is a healthy part of any loving and romantic relationship. However, pregnancy comes with many changes and it can be scary to engage in something that was once a natural part of your life. Not only that, but pregnancy can come with a decrease or increase in libido. \

But is it safe to have sex when you’re pregnant? Most of the time, the answer is yes—as long as your pregnancy is a healthy one. But there are times when it’s not a good idea, so it’s important to know the guidelines for safe, healthy sex throughout your pregnancy. Changes in one’s sex life are normal during pregnancy and regardless of where you are, it’s important to ensure safety during sex.

Key Takeaways

• Though sex can be scary when pregnant, as long as your pregnancy is healthy, you can have sex.
• You can use positions that are safe and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
• Sex can’t hurt your baby since they are protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus. 
• If you feel pain, bleed heavily, or leak amniotic fluid during or after sex, call your doctor or viist the emergency room.

Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?

In most cases, yes. As long as you and the baby are healthy and there are no active complications you can regularly engage in sex. The baby is protected by the muscular lining of the uterus, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug that develops around the cervix.

Some people are afraid that sexual activity or orgasms can harm the baby, increase the chances of a miscarriage, or induce early labor. However, in a healthy pregnancy, none of these are true. The only time a medical professional might suggest abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy is if there are health concerns.

First Trimester Sex

The first trimester can be difficult for many people, especially for first-time mums. The trimester comes with anxiety about sexual intercourse. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says as many as 1 in 4 women experience light bleeding as a normal part of a first-trimester pregnancy, and this can happen with or without engaging in sex. In most cases, bleeding during the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy that’s not related to having sex is often just an indicator that the fertilized egg has successfully implanted in the uterus. However, bleeding can be more concerning when it happens after sex.

Additionally, sexual intercourse can lead to the release of oxytocin, which leads to uterine contractions that can appear as mild cramping early in the pregnancy. As long as your doctor sees no elevated risk of preterm birth or other complications, these types of oxytocin-based contractions are not a cause for concern on their own.

Second Trimester Sex

A 2024 study on the influence of pregnancy on sexual desire found that most couples enjoy physical intimacy during the second trimester. Some pregnant women enjoy increased libido and decreased negative symptoms of early pregnancy. They can sleep better and have more energy. Even more, pregnant women during the second trimester tend to become more comfortable with their pregnancy bodies and in turn with sex. 

Sex is also perfectly safe during the second trimester as long as you’re not in pain or bleeding, and your doctor doesn’t explicitly advise against it.

Third Trimester Sex

As the pregnancy gears closer to the end, anxiety can also increase. Many pregnant people also become anxious about having sex, especially when they’re about to give birth. This is made worse by the many misconceptions about sex during the third trimester causing early labor. 

Some pregnant women might notice minor bleeding after sex during the third trimester. This could be due to the fact that at this stage of the pregnancy, the cervix is extremely sensitive. Again, minor bleeding or spotting shouldn’t be a cause for alarm as long as it subsides relatively quickly.

There’s no reliable research that supports these claims and similar to the first two trimesters, as long as the pregnancy is proceeding as planned, it’s perfectly safe to get it on even in the final weeks leading up to childbirth.

When Should I Avoid Sex During Pregnancy?

Though sex is perfectly acceptable during pregnancy, some instances may require a medical professional to suggest abstinence for the health of the baby or the pregnant partner. This could be due to:

• A history of preterm labor or premature birth
• Leaking amniotic fluid
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• A prematurely open cervix sometimes referred to as cervical incompetence
• Placenta previa diagnosis

You should always keep up with your regular antenatal checkups and consult with your doctor throughout your pregnancy to ensure your sex life won’t endanger the health of your child. If you have questions about sex during pregnancy the healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility will be able to monitor you, especially if you have conceived through IVF. 

Sex During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages?

No, sex can’t cause a miscarriage. There’s no study that links sex to miscarriages. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus isn’t developing properly. However, you should consult your doctor if you face any pain or heavy bleeding after sex. 

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

A 2019 study found no correlation between sexual intercourse and the induction of labor during a normal, healthy pregnancy, even close to the pregnant partner’s due date. While some people say sex during the third trimester can lead to premature birth, there is no evidence to support this claim either. 

Which Sexual Positions Should I Use?

Sexual positions are based on preference and you should go with the position that makes you the most comfortable. Nevertheless, any sexual position that puts added weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach should be avoided. Also, as your pregnant body changes, some positions may become more comfortable or easier to maintain than others.

Bottom Line

Pregnancy can be difficult both physically and emotionally, and it’s perfectly natural to lose interest in sex during some or all of your pregnancy. Open, honest communication with your partner is vital to working through the challenges of pregnancy and maintaining physical and emotional connection during a difficult time.

Furthermore, you can have sex during the entire nine months of your pregnancy. The frequency and intensity are determined by your libido and whether you have any underlying medical conditions. If you are at risk of complications, your doctor will advise you when and how long it is safe to have sex. Above all, listen to your body and do what feels right and safe to you.