Sex During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, many changes are happening to your body and some of these changes may come with discomfort. When this happens, many women tend to be afraid of engaging in sex. Sex can be a great part of intimacy when pregnancy is added into the mix and can even be beneficial in many ways. Nevertheless, many pregnant women, especially those new in the journey may wonder whether it is safe to have sex when you’re pregnant.  In this guide, we'll explore sex during pregnancy and provide answers to common questions.

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.

Benefits of Sex in Pregnancy

Though sex is a fun activity for couples, there are other benefits it has.

• Sex is a great way to stay active as it burns calories. It often involves an increase in heart rate and blood circulation. This can contribute to better heart health and reduce the risk of conditions such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
• During pregnancy, you have increased blood flow to your genitals and this can intensify orgasms. 
• Having sex reduces stress. When you have an orgasm your body releases endorphins and oxytocin that can make you feel happy and relaxed. This helps to promote the mother’s psychological well-being. 
• Sex is a wonderful way to initiate and maintain intimacy with your partner. 

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

Most healthy couples include sex as part of their intimacy and unless there are complications, sex during pregnancy is safe. Many women focus on the health of the baby in the womb and tend to fear that sex can harm the baby by causing miscarriages or premature labor. However, during pregnancy, the baby is protected by the muscular lining of the uterus, amniotic fluid, and a mucus plug that develops around the cervix. The only time your doctor might suggest abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy is if either the mother or baby is unsafe.

First Trimester Sex

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, bleeding during pregnancy affects 1 in 4 women during their first trimester. This light bleeding can happen with or without engaging in sex and is usually a sign that the fertilized egg has successfully implanted in the uterus. 

There can be mild cramping during sex in the first trimester. This is because sex releases oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. As long as your doctor sees no 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 NOVA IVF will be able to monitor you, especially if you have conceived through IVF. 

Second Trimester Sex

While some women struggle with libido during pregnancy, a 2024 study on the influence of pregnancy on sexual desire found that most couples enjoy physical intimacy during the second trimester and some pregnant women enjoy increased libido. This is because most negative symptoms like nausea have already decreased by the second trimester. 

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.

Third Trimester Sex

During the third trimester, many women feel very heavy and tired and this can reduce a woman’s libido. Anxiety about the coming baby and fear of inducing early labor during sex can prevent many women from enjoying the benefits of sex.  

In the third trimester, some pregnant women might notice minor bleeding after sex but this may not be a cause for concern. In some cases, bleeding can happen because the cervix is extremely sensitive.

If you are worried about the bleeding and if 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.

Sex Positions During Pregnancy

Even though sex during pregnancy is safe for most couples some women have some challenges. Pregnancy can be a great time to explore which positions you enjoy. 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.

You can also explore having sex when lying on your sides, either facing your partner or with your 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.

When To Avoid Sex During Pregnancy?

Some symptoms that occur during sex may require you to stop having sex or see your doctor immediately. 

• Cervical incompetence that can lead to early cervical dilation
• If there are complications and the doctor has asked you to avoid sex
• If you bleed after sex
• If you suffer from placenta previa. This is where the placenta is positioned low in the uterus. e
• If you’re leaking amniotic fluid
• If you have a history of preterm labor
• If you have pelvic inflammatory disease

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. 

Some women struggle with the idea of sex and it’s okay to say no to sex when pregnant. When you feel this way, you should 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

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. Open and honest communication with your partner is important for maintaining a physical and emotional connection.