Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

The short answer is yes—if you have a healthy pregnancy, there’s no reason why you and your partner can’t have a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. Of course, as with anything during pregnancy, communication is key.

You might feel like you want sex more during certain times and less at others, and that's completely normal. It's important to talk openly with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t. After all, the majority of pregnant women and their partners report that sex during pregnancy is a positive experience.

What Happens to Your Body During Pregnancy?

Throughout pregnancy, your body changes, but these changes don't affect your ability to have safe, enjoyable sex. Your baby is safely protected inside your womb by the amniotic sac, and your cervix is sealed by a thick mucus plug, which helps guard against infections. Your partner’s penis won’t penetrate beyond your vagina, and the same goes for sex toys. This means there’s little to worry about in terms of your baby’s safety during intercourse.

After an orgasm, you might feel a little movement from your baby. This is completely normal! It’s just your baby reacting to the extra pounding of your heart. Don’t worry—they’re not uncomfortable or aware of what’s happening. All the excitement is happening on your end!

First Trimester: Adjusting to New Sensations

The first trimester can be a rollercoaster of emotions and physical changes. Your breasts might become more sensitive, which could either increase your pleasure or make touch feel more painful. Nausea, fatigue, and sickness are common during this time, and they may impact your libido. Some women experience what’s known as an "unresolved orgasm," where it feels like the orgasm lingers. This sensation can feel strange, but it’s entirely normal. During this stage, you may also experience vivid dreams and fantasies about sex—sometimes weird, but often very vivid. These are completely normal and part of your body’s hormonal changes.

Second Trimester: Feeling Sexy and Engorged

The second trimester is often a time when many women feel their best during pregnancy. You may notice that your vagina is more lubricated, and your clitoris and vagina may become more engorged, which can make sex more pleasurable. Some women report becoming orgasmic or even multi-orgasmic for the first time during pregnancy due to this increased blood flow and sensitivity.

This is also the time when many women feel more comfortable in their bodies. Your pregnancy glow may have kicked in, and you may find yourself feeling sexy in ways you hadn’t before. This is the time to explore and get creative with your sexual activities. However, if your sexual preferences are outside the mainstream, it’s essential to be honest with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if there’s anything specific you should avoid for safety.

The only activity to steer clear of during pregnancy is allowing your partner to blow air into your vagina. This could cause a rare and dangerous condition known as a placental air embolism, so it’s important to avoid this.

Third Trimester: Experimenting with Positions

In the third trimester, things can start to get a bit trickier. Your uterus may experience spasms during orgasms, but these are different from contractions. Near your due date, you may experience contractions that occur after sex, sometimes lasting up to 30 minutes. However, sex will not induce labor unless your cervix is already ripe and ready to dilate.

You may also experience some discomfort or even spotting if your baby’s head has engaged in the pelvis. This is normal, but it’s always best to mention any bleeding, even if it seems minor, to your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). By this stage, you may feel more fatigued and less interested in sex, which can make timing a challenge.

Positioning can also become more difficult as your belly grows. But don’t worry—you can experiment with different positions to find what works best for you. For example:

• Spooning: This position allows for close contact without putting too much pressure on your belly.

• Woman on top: This can give you more control over depth and speed, and you can adjust the angle to suit your comfort.

• Side-by-side: Lying on your sides is another great option, especially when your belly is large and you don’t want to feel too much weight on your stomach.

Make sure to try different positions until you find one that feels comfortable for both of you. And remember, if something is causing pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to avoid it. Communication is key!

Special Considerations for Sex During Pregnancy

There are certain situations where it may not be safe to have sex during pregnancy. If you’ve had bleeding or spotting early on, your LMC may recommend avoiding sex until you reach 14 weeks. Additionally, certain conditions such as cervical weakness, a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia), heavy bleeding, vaginal infections, or multiple pregnancies may require you to avoid sexual activity altogether. In these cases, your LMC will provide clear guidance on what’s safe.

If you or your partner have any concerns, especially if either of you has a sexually transmitted infection, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Protecting both you and your baby is the priority.

Same sex couples

For same-sex couples, pregnancy can bring unique considerations, especially in terms of emotional and physical changes. Whether you are using assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or carrying a baby via surrogacy, communication with your partner remains key, as navigating the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth can bring challenges that differ from those experienced by heterosexual couples.

During pregnancy, both partners may experience fluctuating emotions, varying levels of involvement, and potential changes in intimacy preferences. It’s important to support each other’s needs, openly discuss any concerns, and maintain a strong connection throughout the pregnancy.

Have Fun and Stay Safe!

Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean a dry spell in your sex life. If you’re both healthy and comfortable, there’s no reason you can’t continue to enjoy sex throughout your pregnancy. Embrace the changes in your body, communicate openly with your partner, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your body is incredible, and this stage of life can be a beautiful, intimate time for both of you.

So go ahead, have fun, stay safe, and enjoy this special time together!