Sex During Pregnancy

Most healthy couples include sex as part of their intimacy but when pregnancy is added into the mix, things can get a bit complicated. Many pregnant women, especially those new in the journey may wonder whether it is safe to have sex when you’re pregnant. 

Having a successful pregnancy and birth is a top priority for many mothers and some may fear being intimate can result in loss. It’s therefore important to know the guidelines for safe, healthy sex throughout your pregnancy.

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 visit the emergency room.

Can I have sex when I’m pregnant?

Unless there are complications and under the advice of a doctor, sex during pregnancy is safe. The key is to ensure you and the baby are healthy. During pregnancy, the baby is protected by the muscular lining of the uterus, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug that develops around the cervix.

Some people fear that sexual activity or orgasms can harm the baby and increase the chances of a miscarriage or induce early labor. However, in a healthy pregnancy, this is not the case. The only time a medical professional might suggest abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy is if either the mother or baby is unsafe.

Sex During First Trimester

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.

Sexual during the first trimester can lead to the release of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions that can feel like mild cramping. 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.

If you have questions about sex during pregnancy the healthcare professionals at Dallas IVF will be able to monitor you, especially if you have conceived through IVF. 

Sex During Second Trimester

While some women struggle with libido during pregnancy, a 2024 study on the influence of pregnancy on sexual desire found the opposite. The study found that most couples enjoy physical intimacy during the second trimester and some pregnant women enjoy increased libido with the decreased negative symptoms of early pregnancy. Many pregnant women during this stage can sleep better and have more energy. Others also begin to love their pregnant bodies and become more comfortable during sex. 

Just like in the first trimester, sex during the second trimester is perfectly safe as long as you’re not in pain or bleeding.

Sex During Third Trimester

The third trimester can be a difficult one as the heavier you become the less energy you may have to engage in sexual activities. Anxiety can also increase, making many women afraid of having sex which can lead to early labor. 

During this stage, some pregnant women might notice minor bleeding after sex but this may not be a cause for concern. In some instances, this is because the cervix is extremely sensitive and therefore minor bleeding or spotting shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. 

If you are unclear about the bleeding and it persists or becomes heavy, call or visit your OB/GYN, who will be able to conduct the necessary tests to see if there’s a need for concern.

When To Avoid Sex During Pregnancy?

If you have the following, your doctor may recommend avoiding sex during pregnancy.

• Vaginal bleeding
• Placenta previa. This is where the placenta is positioned low in the uterus. e
• Cervical incompetence that can lead to early cervical dilation
• If you’re leaking amniotic fluid
• If you have a history of preterm labor
• If you have pelvic inflammatory disease

To prevent complications, it’s important to keep up with your regular antenatal checkups and consult with your OB/GYN throughout your pregnancy. This will help ensure your sex doesn’t endanger the health of your child. 

Sex Positions During Pregnancy

While sex is safe for most couples in pregnancy, for some it may not be as easy or comfortable, particularly as they go further along in pregnancy. If you are uncomfortable, you will probably need to find different positions and this can be a great time to explore and experiment with your partner.

When your partner is on top, sex can become uncomfortable quite early in pregnancy, not just because of the bump, but because your breasts might be tender. It can also be uncomfortable if your partner penetrates you too deeply.

Most women find it more comfortable when lying on their sides, either facing their partner or with their partner behind. You may also want to try being on top during sex or being penetrated from behind while on your hands and knees while using pillows to make yourself comfortable.

Sex During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages?

No, there are currently no studies that link sex to miscarriage. 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?

Studies have found no correlation between sexual intercourse and early labor during a normal, healthy pregnancy. 

Do I have to wear a condom during sex?

Condoms help to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections, which can cause serious health problems for you and your baby. Condoms should be used if you or your partner have sex with other people or you are having sex with a new partner while pregnant. You should also avoid vaginal, oral, and anal sex if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection.

What if I don't want to have sex?

It’s okay to not want to have sex when pregnant. You must communicate with your partner and let them know you don't want to have sex. Besides, you can explore other ways of being intimate such as cuddling, kissing, or massages.

Bottom Line

Pregnancy can be an exciting time yet difficult as well and it’s perfectly natural to lose interest in sex during some or all of your pregnancy. The key is to have open and honest communication with your partner if you want to maintain a physical and emotional connection.