Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?

Can I have sex when pregnant?

The answer to this question will depend on your specific situation, but for most of us, sex during pregnancy is absolutely safe. If your doctor or midwife has highlighted any pregnancy complications with you, then it’s worth checking if it’s safe in your specific situation. You may be advised against having penetrative vaginal sex if:

• You have a higher risk of miscarriage
• You are at risk of premature labor
• Your waters are broken
• You are in pain
• You think you might be in labor

If you’re not affected by any of the above then sex can be a healthy part of your pregnancy, and you won’t hurt the baby if you have sex while pregnant. In fact, sex can be a helpful way to destress and help you reconnect with your partner. 

Not everyone will want to have sex during pregnancy, and it’s a completely personal decision whether or not you do. Our hormone levels are a bit different during pregnancy and that can change how sex feels. These hormonal changes can also affect your libido and make you want to have sex either more or less than you usually do. 

Is it safe to have sex during the first trimester?

When it comes to most pregnancies, sex is completely safe in the first trimester. Since your bump is smallest in early pregnancy, you might find your sex life hasn’t changed much. However, for others it may be time to rethink things, as tender breasts and a growing (if small) bump may make some positions uncomfortable. 

Keep in mind that if you suffer from morning sickness, this tends to be worse in the first trimester. Nausea can be a bit of a mood killer, but the good news is it tends to let up later in pregnancy. So if you’re put off intimacy in the first trimester, it doesn’t mean you’re going to feel like that for the whole nine months of your pregnancy.

Sex during the second trimester

By the second trimester, your baby bump will be more prominent, but morning sickness should be on the way out. Whether you’ve been feeling the effects of nausea or the increased tiredness from early pregnancy, hitting the milestone of the second trimester may feel like a big relief. For many, the second trimester is the most enjoyable part of pregnancy. 

During this midpoint in your pregnancy, you may find you get some energy back to do the things you enjoy. If you didn’t feel much like having sex during the first trimester, this can be a great opportunity to rediscover your sex life.

Sex during the third trimester

As you approach your due date, you might have to get a bit more creative between the sheets. If your favorite sex positions are no longer comfortable, it might be time to try something new. 

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable or aren’t having fun, then don’t feel the pressure to keep having penetrative sex. There are plenty of ways you can share intimacy with your partner, it’s all about doing what feels good and communicating your needs clearly. Check out some ways to have sex without penetration to learn more. 

Braxton Hicks contractions are a type of contraction that you can get throughout your pregnancy, but they are most common in the third trimester and may happen after you’ve had sex. These are completely normal and aren’t the same as the contractions you get in labor. However, they can be uncomfortable, and you may want to lie down until the contractions pass or try some relaxation techniques. 

Does sex induce labor?

While we’re clearing up myths, let’s take a moment to dispel this common misconception: that having sex when you’re due to give birth can speed things along. It’s something you hear regularly, like how eating spicy food can also induce labor (that one is a myth too by the way)! 

There have been multiple studies looking into whether or not sex can induce labor, and the results have been conflicting. One study of 200 women found that having sex at term was associated with early onset of labor, while in another study the reverse was true. Women who had sex were in fact less likely to go into spontaneous labor. 

Of course, all our experiences are different and there are some who will swear that having sex or eating a hot curry brought on their baby. There’s no risk involved in these approaches, so if it’s something you want to try then we say go ahead!

Benefits of sex during pregnancy

There are a few good reasons you may want to keep an active sex life during pregnancy:

• Intimacy can help reduce stress and help you relax
• It’s a way to stay physically and emotionally close to your partner
• You may enjoy experimenting and trying new positions
• Some find their libido increases during pregnancy

Disadvantages of sex during pregnancy 

Equally, there are a few reasons you might want to skip the sexy stuff:

• Sex can become uncomfortable (especially later in pregnancy)
• You might not be in the mood if you feel tired or sick
• Some find their libido decreases during pregnancy

Best sex positions to try when pregnant 

Due to the changes happening in your body, you might want to think about trying different sex positions. Your partner lying on top of you might be uncomfortable, on your bump, and if you have sore breasts. You can try being on top or lying on your side as an alternative. For some people having sex on their hands and knees might be the most comfortable. 

It’s important to communicate with your partner and let them know if you’re uncomfortable, while sex during pregnancy is a safe option for most people, it doesn’t mean you have to do it if you don’t want to. 

My partner doesn’t want to have sex during pregnancy

Similarly, if your partner is worried about having sex during pregnancy, don’t pressure them into it. If they are concerned about hurting the baby, you can share information about this (such as this guidance from Planned Parenthood), or talk to your midwife or doctor together to get reassurance from a healthcare professional. 

Prevent and plan pregnancy naturally

Thanks for reading up on if it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy. At Natural Cycles we’re passionate about spreading knowledge about reproductive health and banishing myths one topic at a time.

Natural Cycles is a certified medical device that can be used as a birth control, or to start a family. 100% hormone-free and based on the science of body temperature, Natural Cycles is 93% effective with typical use and 98% effective with perfect use. Why not find out if it could work for you?