Sex During Pregnancy

Key Takeaways

• Sex is typically safe during a normal pregnancy, provided there are no ongoing complications.
• Despite common misconceptions, sex during pregnancy has not been shown to cause miscarriages or induce early labor.
• As a pregnancy progresses, it’s normal for most patients to experience a reduction in sexual desire.
• Discuss any concerns or questions with your fertility care expert or OB/GYN, especially if your pregnancy is high risk. They are there to help you along your journey. 

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your healthcare provider’s approval, you can continue to enjoy intimacy until delivery. For a healthy pregnant person without complications, sexual activity can be a safe and pleasurable experience. It offers both mental and physical benefits, such as enhancing emotional intimacy with your partner, reducing stress and anxiety, burning calories, and relieving tension.However, a few considerations apply. If you have specific health concerns (such as preterm labor or placenta problems), consult your healthcare provider. They can guide you based on your unique situation.

Sexual Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect

It’s a fact: pregnancy brings hormonal shifts and physical changes that can impact your sexual experience. All of these changes are normal, but it’s helpful to know what to expect.Here’s what you may experience:

• Reduced Desire: According to research published in Contemporary OB/GYN, females aged 21 to 43 reported an approximate 33% to 43%  decrease in sexual desire due to symptoms like nausea and fatigue. These are especially common during the first trimester.

• Fear of Harming the Baby: In a study published in BJOG, approximately 49% of women worried that sexual intercourse could harm their unborn child during sex. This fear can affect physical response to intimacy. The good news is that the American College of OB/GYN says most sexual activity is safe for people with healthy pregnancies – the amniotic sac and the strong uterine muscles protect the fetus. This includes sexual intercourse or using fingers or sex toys.
• Hormonal Factors: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin change during pregnancy. They can lead to side effects like nausea, weight gain, and breast pain, which can affect sexual desire and arousal.
• Reduced Vaginal Sensitivity: Relaxin, another reproductive hormone, naturally loosens muscles, joints, and ligaments during pregnancy to help your body prepare for childbirth – which could potentially reduce sensitivity during sex.

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

Some situations may arise when your healthcare professional might recommend sexual abstinence during pregnancy, such as:

• Heavy Vaginal Bleeding*
• Leaking Amniotic Fluid
• Cervical Incompetence (the cervix begins to open early)
• Placenta Previa (the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening)
• History of Premature Labor
• Cervical Weakness
• Low-Lying Placenta
• Previous Vaginal Infection

*It’s important to clarify that experiencing cramps or spotting after sexual intercourse with penetration is common. Orgasms can also lead to cramps. However, if you have severe, persistent cramping or heavy bleeding (similar to regular menstrual bleeding), it’s advisable to contact your OB/GYN.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages?

No scientific evidence supports the idea that sexual activity contributes to miscarriages. Sadly, up to 1 in 5 early pregnancies result in miscarriage, often before the pregnant partner even realizes she is pregnant. Most miscarriages occur due to fetal developmental issues in the earliest stages. While pregnancy loss is emotionally challenging, it is safe to conclude that sex during pregnancy is not a causative factor.

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

Although some individuals suggest that sexual activity during the third trimester may result in premature birth, there is no substantial evidence to support this assertion. Notably, a 2019 study revealed no link between sexual intercourse and the initiation of labor in a typical, healthy pregnancy, even near the pregnant partner’s due date.

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

For pregnant couples, it truly comes down to comfort level and personal preferences. Some positions may be more enjoyable or easier to maintain than others, while other sexual positions put added weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach and should therefore be avoided. But otherwise, the best sexual positions during pregnancy are the ones that bring partners closer together.

The Bottom Line

Remember that during pregnancy, a woman’s uterus will grow from the size of an orange to a watermelon – or larger. Her body will undergo major changes, providing space and nutrients for a new person to develop and also produce a completely new organ in the form of a placenta.

With so many rapid changes, it’s common for patients to notice sudden and unusual shifts in how their bodies feel. Intimacy during pregnancy is a personal choice. Trust your instincts and communicate openly with your partner. If you have concerns and would like to schedule an appointment, consult a fertility care expert at San Diego Fertility Center or discuss with your OB/GYN. We are here to support you during your journey.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Please consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.