Sex During Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy is safe in most cases. With your healthcare provider’s approval, you can typically continue to enjoy intimacy until your baby arrives. For a healthy pregnancy without complications, sexual activity can be both safe and pleasurable, offering mental and physical benefits like enhancing emotional intimacy, reducing stress, burning calories, and relieving tension.

However, if you have specific health concerns like preterm labor or placenta issues, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect 

Pregnancy brings hormonal shifts and other physical changes that can affect your sexual experience. Here’s what you might notice:

• Reduced Desire: Many women experience a 33% to 43% decrease in sexual desire when they have uncomfortable symptoms like nausea and fatigue, especially in the first trimester, according to research in Contemporary OB/GYN.

• Fear of Harming the Baby: One study says that nearly half of all women worry that sex could harm their baby. However, the amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles protect the fetus, making most sexual activities safe.

• Hormonal Factors: Changes in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin can lead to nausea, weight gain, and breast pain, affecting sexual desire and arousal.

• Reduced Vaginal Sensitivity: The hormone relaxin loosens muscles, joints, and ligaments, which might reduce sensitivity during sex.

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

Your healthcare provider might recommend avoiding sex if you experience:

• Significant vaginal bleeding
• Amniotic fluid leakage
• Cervical incompetence (early dilation of the cervix)
• Placenta previa (placenta covering the cervical opening)
• Previous premature labor
• Weak cervix
• Low-lying placenta
• Past vaginal infection

It's common to experience cramps or spotting after sex, but if you have severe, ongoing cramping or heavy bleeding, contact your OB/GYN.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages?

Scientific evidence does not support the idea that sex causes miscarriages. Most miscarriages happen due to fetal developmental issues in the earliest stages.

Is Early Labor Caused By Sex?

There is no substantial evidence that sex during the third trimester causes premature birth. A 2019 study found no link between sex and the initiation of labor in a healthy pregnancy.

What Sexual Positions Are Best During Pregnancy?

Comfort and personal preference are key. Some positions may be more comfortable than others, while those putting weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach should be avoided. The best positions are those that bring you closer together.

The Bottom Line

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes, providing space and nutrients for a developing baby and producing a new organ, the placenta. With these changes, it’s normal to notice shifts in how your body feels. Intimacy during pregnancy is a personal decision. Follow your instincts and maintain open communication with your partner. If you have concerns about sex during pregnancy, discuss with your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment with your fertility expert. We’re here to support you with compassionate care and typically see patients up to 12 weeks before they “graduate” to their OB/GYN.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.