Sex During Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, your body becomes a battleground of changes—some exciting, some downright uncomfortable. And when discomfort kicks in, a lot of women start questioning everything, including whether sex is still on the table.

In most cases, it absolutely is. In fact, it can actually be a great addition to your pregnancy journey. But let’s be real—if this is your first time navigating pregnancy, you probably have a thousand questions. 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

Aside from keeping the intimacy alive in your relationship, pregnancy sex comes with some surprising perks:

• Better Sleep – The post-sex relaxation can help with those restless pregnancy nights.
• Boosted Mood – Orgasms release feel-good hormones, which can help counter pregnancy mood swings.This helps to promote the mother’s psychological well-being. 
• Improved Circulation – Increased blood flow during pregnancy makes sex feel even better.
• Strengthened Pelvic Floor Muscles – Those muscles get a workout, which could come in handy when it’s time to give birth.
• Burn calories- 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.
  
  

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

For the majority of pregnancies, the answer is a big, resounding yes. Your baby is snug and secure inside the amniotic sac, well-protected by the uterus, and a thick mucus plug covering the cervix. So unless your doctor has specifically warned you against it due to complications, sex won’t harm the baby. And no, there’s no way the baby “knows” what’s happening, despite what some people might joke about.

First Trimester Sex

The first trimester is a rollercoaster. Between exhaustion, nausea, and your body figuring out what’s going on, sex might be the last thing on your mind. 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. 

Mild cramping might also occur since sex releases oxytocin, which causes slight uterine contractions—but unless your doctor warns you otherwise, it’s nothing to stress about. If you have questions about sex during pregnancy the healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility 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 many women feel a surge in energy and even an increase in libido during the second trimester. The nausea fades, your bump isn’t huge yet, and your hormones are playing nice (for the most part).

Many pregnant women during this stage can also sleep better resulting in 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. Your belly is bigger, your energy is lower, and the thought of moving around might make you want to take a nap instead. Libido often takes a hit, and some women worry that sex might trigger labor. While minor bleeding after sex can happen due to an extremely sensitive cervix. 

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.

Finding The Right Position

Even though sex during pregnancy is safe for most couples some women have some challenges. As your belly grows, certain positions might become uncomfortable. Experimenting with different angles can make things easier. Spooning, side-lying positions, and being on top (so you control depth and movement) tend to be more comfortable as pregnancy progresses. 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. Communication is key—if something doesn’t feel right, switch it up.

When To Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

While sex is safe for most pregnancies, there are certain situations where it’s best to hold off:

• 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. If you’re ever unsure, check in with your healthcare provider. When in doubt, better safe than sorry.

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

Pregnancy doesn’t mean pressing pause on intimacy. As long as you and your doctor are on the same page, sex can be a healthy, enjoyable part of your journey. It’s all about comfort, consent, and keeping the connection with your partner strong. Open and honest communication with your partner is important for maintaining a physical and emotional connection.