Discomfort During Intercourse While Pregnant

While pregnancy is a miraculous journey, it’s not always a smooth one. Some women enjoy a seamless pregnancy, while others face different aches, pains, and discomforts. And when it comes to sex, libido swings, bodily discomfort, and sheer exhaustion can turn what was once a pleasure-filled activity into a question mark. So, how do you handle discomfort during sex while pregnant?

Key Takeaways

• It’s totally safe in most cases to remain sexually active throughout pregnancy, although there will be times when intercourse is uncomfortable or painful while pregnant.
• Things like changing positions and experimenting with new types of foreplay and physical intimacy can help relieve discomfort in many cases.
• If you experience severe pain, bleeding, itching, and burning while urinating, contact a doctor right away to identify the cause and ensure it’s not something that could endanger you or the pregnancy.

Causes Discomfort During Sex While Pregnant

Pregnancy itself can be quite uncomfortable, and for some women, this can get worse when sex is added into the mix. Your body is going through significant changes, and sex can be negatively affected. While some forms of discomfort during sex are part of the pregnancy, other aches and pains can signal a serious issue that needs medical attention. 

Anxiety

The mind is a powerful thing turning pregnancy into an emotional whirlwind. Fear of hurting the baby, concerns about body changes, and hormonal mood swings can put the brakes on desire. In some studies, libido has been shown to decrease when a partner is extremely anxious and this can be more pronounced in the third trimester or if the pregnant partner struggled with infertility and conceived through assisted reproductive treatments.

If anxiety during pregnancy is having a serious effect on your life, sexually or otherwise, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies for addressing it. The compassionate healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility will walk with you and guide you on managing it and reducing its impact on your health and your pregnancy.

Belly size

That adorable baby bump? It’s cute until it’s in the way. Certain positions that were once effortless might now feel quite uncomfortable. If the bump makes things awkward, switch it up—side-lying positions, spooning, or even sitting positions can take the pressure off. And if you’re feeling self-conscious about your changing body, remember: confidence is sexy, and your partner likely sees you as even more stunning than before.

Increased Sensitivity

Pregnancy increases blood flow to the pelvic region and breasts, which sounds great—until it’s too much. For some women, even a light touch can feel overwhelming. Communicate with your partner. What felt good yesterday might feel unbearable today. Let them know what works and what doesn’t. 

Hemorrhoids

According to the National Institute of Health, 25 to 35 percent of pregnant people get hemorrhoids at some point during their pregnancy. They can be more prevalent in the third trimester. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can be extremely painful, making sex uncomfortable or impossible, depending on where they are located. In some cases, you may need to put off sex until they clear up.

Vaginal Dryness

During pregnancy, progesterone levels are high. The purpose of this hormone is to thicken the uterine lining, suppress uterine contractions, and prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. This high level of progesterone can have a negative effect on some women causing vaginal dryness. 

Vaginal dryness impacts sex life, preventing you from enjoying sex as often as you’d like to. Thankfully, a good water-based lubricant can be a game-changer. Just make sure it’s free of perfumes or additives that could lead to infections.

Headaches

Between the hormonal upheaval and increased blood volume, headaches can make an appearance, especially in the first trimester, when the biggest changes are happening in your body. If a pounding head is putting you out of commission, don’t feel guilty about skipping out on sex—rest and hydration come first.

Infection

Sometimes, pain during sex isn’t just discomfort—it’s a warning sign. Infections like UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis can cause pain, burning, and even an odd-smelling discharge. Infections account for a significant percentage of pregnancy-related complications, so if you notice anything off, call your doctor ASAP.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy—when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—is a medical emergency. An ectopic pregnancy can cause discomfort during sex. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture.

Signs of an ectopic pregnancy include:

• Pelvic pain
• Unrelenting abdominal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Pain in the shoulders and neck in some cases.
• Discomfort when peeing
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Managing Painful Sex When Pregnant

The first thing you should do when facing any discomfort during sex is to talk with your partner and let them know when you’re feeling pain or are uncomfortable in any way. You can also manage discomfort by: 

• Using lubrication. Lubrication can go a long way to relieving discomfort caused by vaginal dryness. When getting a lubricant, choose a water-based one with scents to avoid getting a UTI. 
• Try different positions. This helps to reduce pressure on the stomach. Positions that can allow you to control the speed and intensity of intercourse. You can also take advantage of pillows to make certain positions easier or more comfortable. 

If sex is still painful, you can enjoy other forms of intimacy with your partner, like massages or oral sex. 

The Bottom Line

While intimacy is usually safe, it might not always be comfortable. Focus on open communication, a willingness to adapt, and on what feels good instead of what used to work. If pain, bleeding, or unusual symptoms persist, reach out to your healthcare provider.

At the end of the day, pregnancy is temporary, and so are the ups and downs that come with it. Whether you’re having the best sex of your life or taking a break for nine months, the most important thing is to prioritize your comfort, health, and emotional well-being. Because when baby arrives, a whole new adventure begins.