Everything you need to know about sex during pregnancy

Expectant mothers and their partners often want to know just how safe sex is during pregnancy. Is there any chance the unborn baby could come to harm? Could it trigger a miscarriage? Which positions should be avoided? We'll address all of these questions below.

About sex during pregnancy

Sex is an important and entirely natural part of life as a couple – at every stage of life. So wanting sex during pregnancy is just as normal as wanting sex during your period. What's more, the hormonal fluctuations that begin in your body as soon as you fall pregnant can noticeably boost your sexual interest. All the more reason to know what's fine and what isn't – so that your baby stays protected and you can carry on enjoying a normal, healthy love life.

Let's start with safety. In normal, uncomplicated pregnancies, sex does the foetus no harm whatsoever. It's a myth that intercourse or an orgasm could bring on a miscarriage or labour, because the baby is protected at all times by the amniotic fluid, the powerful muscles of the uterus and a gelatinous mucus plug at the cervix. That said, do follow your doctor's advice if your pregnancy involves complications and you've been advised to abstain from sex. In normal pregnancies, numerous studies confirm that sex and the contractions that come with orgasm do not cause premature birth or preterm labour.

On the other hand, it's important to listen to your body. The further you get into the final trimester, the more comfortable you may feel in certain positions that put no pressure on the abdomen or that allow you to control the depth of penetration and the rhythm yourself. As always, be open and talk to your partner so the experience stays enjoyable for you both.

Is sex allowed during pregnancy?

In most cases, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe. Even so, there are certain situations – such as pregnancies with an increased risk of miscarriage due to problems with the placenta – in which sex is off limits. It's always a good idea to ask your consultant whether intercourse might be contraindicated in your case.
 

Can penetration harm the baby?

Your growing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in the uterus as well as by the strong muscles of the uterus itself. Your partner's penis or a sex toy used for penetration cannot reach beyond the vagina and will not affect the baby in any way. Your little one won't have the faintest idea what's going on in those moments.

The safest positions for sex during pregnancy

Even though sex in a normal pregnancy is considered safe and permitted throughout all three trimesters – from the moment your period fails to arrive (we've told you all about that HERE) right through to the final trimester – every woman may feel more comfortable in certain positions. The ones to favour are those where your body weight doesn't press on your bump or your organs (as it does in the missionary position, for example).

Here are some of the safest sex positions during pregnancy:

• Cowgirl (you on top)

• Spooning

• Positions at the edge of the bed

Sex in the first trimester of pregnancy

Sex in the first trimester may well be the last thing on your mind when you're battling daily nausea, anxiety, mood swings and exhaustion. Plenty of other changes are taking place during this time as the baby grows, your bump gets bigger and the pregnancy progresses. HERE you can read more about how pregnancy unfolds and how the foetus develops week by week at every stage. Your libido may fluctuate – some days you'll fancy sex, on others you won't want to hear a word about it. It's also worth knowing that the hormonal changes you're going through can lead to vaginal dryness and breast tenderness. So talk to your partner to make sure you're both on the same page.

Can intercourse cause a miscarriage?

Unless your doctor has specifically advised against it, there's no reason to avoid sex – intercourse cannot cause a miscarriage (in our article you can read what a miscarriage actually involves and what the real causes are). The muscles surrounding the uterus and the amniotic fluid inside it protect the baby during sex, and the mucus plug at the opening of the cervix prevents bacteria from getting in.

In reality, many miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that occur when the embryo is fertilised, or they have unknown causes. They have nothing to do with sex or your everyday activities.

Sex during the second trimester of pregnancy

Many couples wonder whether sex in the second trimester is safe – after all, plenty can go wrong during a pregnancy. The answer is yes. Sex in the second trimester is perfectly safe. It won't harm the foetus and it won't have any negative effect on your health either.

There are, however, cases in which intercourse may be contraindicated, particularly if there were problems with the pregnancy during the first trimester. It's always best to check with your gynaecologist whether any risks apply. 

The second trimester is also known as the "honeymoon phase", because all the discomforts of the first trimester – such as nausea and fatigue – disappear. It brings back the vitality and energy you lost in the first trimester. You may notice some changes in your sex life for the following reasons:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) gradually fall, leading to a better balance of progesterone and oestrogen. As a result, nausea and fatigue ease considerably. Consequently, your sexual desire increases and you feel more energetic.

• Increased libido: Many women experience a surge in libido thanks to the increased blood flow to the genitals. Vaginal lubrication increases and the clitoris becomes more sensitive, making sex in the second trimester especially pleasurable.

Sex positions in the second trimester of pregnancy

If sex in the second trimester feels good for you too, then most positions you find comfortable are perfectly safe. As a general rule, avoid positions where you lie on your back for too long, or ones where your partner rests his body weight on your bump, as this can restrict the baby's oxygen supply.

For many women, on the other hand, the second trimester brings difficult changes that the body struggles to adjust to. Weight gain and feelings of exhaustion can make intercourse more tiring, uncomfortable or even painful. So it's worth trying out different positions if you find yourself in this situation. Choose positions where you're on top and can control the depth of penetration, the rhythm and the intensity of the movements yourself.

If no position feels genuinely comfortable, you might also consider other forms of sex, such as oral sex. Your partner simply needs to be careful not to blow air into the vagina, as this could block a blood vessel. This complication is called an air embolism; it's very rare, but it can endanger the lives of both mother and baby.

Sex in the third trimester of pregnancy

If you have a normal, healthy pregnancy with no complications, sex is perfectly safe right up to the day you give birth. Some people even believe that sex in the days before your due date can encourage the baby to arrive a little early!

Sex positions in the third trimester of pregnancy

Many women experience a heightened libido towards the end of pregnancy – so don't hesitate to enjoy yourselves! Finding a comfortable position can be a bit tricky, but with a willingness to experiment and a dash of creativity you'll manage it. Many women prefer spooning, as it puts the least pressure on the internal organs. Both partners lie on their sides in bed, with the man holding his partner around the waist from behind. So if before pregnancy you were only used to certain sex positions that no longer work in the third trimester, take things a little more slowly and try out new positions to find one that offers you comfort, pleasure and, above all, safety.

Unprotected sex during pregnancy

As a rule, unprotected sex during pregnancy is no problem if you're in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for sexually transmitted infections. If you don't have that reassurance, however, use a condom for protection.

A sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for both mother and baby. Avoid all forms of sex – vaginal, oral and anal – if your partner has an active or recently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection.

Orgasm during pregnancy – can it bring on labour?

If the time isn't right yet, you can rest easy! Sex and orgasm cannot trigger premature labour. If, on the other hand, you've reached or passed your due date, sex is one of the methods that can help get labour going (discover here how to reach orgasm, plus various techniques for perfect sexual arousal!)

Contractions of the uterus are an inseparable part of orgasm. They can be quite powerful and may last up to half an hour. If your body is ready, these post-orgasm contractions are just one of several factors that can set labour in motion.

Stimulation of the nipples and genitals, along with orgasm, is a natural way to raise your oxytocin levels – a hormone your body produces to trigger labour once you're ready to give birth. Oxytocin is also frequently used by doctors in synthetic form to induce labour.

On top of that, your partner's semen can be helpful too, as it contains prostaglandins – substances also produced by the uterus to soften and dilate the cervix and bring on contractions.

Anal sex during pregnancy

Whether or not to have anal sex during pregnancy is a highly personal decision. Some pregnant women enjoy anal stimulation more than usual, saying the increased blood flow creates a more intense sensation of pleasure. Equally, plenty of people prefer to steer clear of anal sex while pregnant.

If you do decide to give it a try, keep the possible health risks in mind:

• Anal sex can irritate haemorrhoids, which are common during pregnancy

• Anal fissures caused by constipation can be made worse by this practice

• The risk of bacterial infections that could affect the foetus increases

• In pregnancies with complications – such as placenta praevia – anal sex must be avoided altogether

Is it normal to have contractions after sex during pregnancy?

Yes, penetration and orgasm can trigger contractions during pregnancy. In this case, however, these are Braxton Hicks contractions – the so-called practice or "false" contractions that come and go in pregnant women.

This type of contraction is characterised by an irregular rhythm and moderate intensity. It feels like a slightly uncomfortable pressure that usually lasts no longer than 30 seconds. Their job is to exercise the uterine muscles and prepare you for birth – but they don't signal the onset of labour, nor do they bring it on.

These contractions normally occur in the final trimester towards the end of pregnancy, but you may also feel them after an intense orgasm. They may seem alarming, but they're completely harmless and won't trigger labour.

Oral sex during pregnancy

Oral sex is safe throughout pregnancy. Your partner must, however, avoid blowing air into the vagina, as this can cause an air embolism, where a bubble of air blocks a blood vessel. Although rare, an air embolism can endanger the lives of both mother and baby. Find out more about oral sex and suitable positions in our article!

Sex during pregnancy – the benefits

Sex during pregnancy brings with it a whole range of benefits for you to enjoy:

• It releases endorphins – hormones that leave you feeling happy and full of vitality

• It promotes restful sleep

• It encourages communication within the relationship

• It reduces the intensity of pregnancy-related aches and pains

• It lowers stress and anxiety

• It's a good way to get some physical exercise without much effort

• It lowers the risk of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia

• It can help bring on labour once you've reached or passed your due date

When you should NOT have sex during pregnancy

Your doctor may advise against sex during pregnancy if any of the following medical issues apply:

• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding

• You are leaking amniotic fluid

• Your cervix is beginning to open prematurely (cervical insufficiency)

• You have placenta praevia, meaning the placenta partly or completely covers the cervical canal

• You have a history of preterm labour or premature birth

Sex after pregnancy – when can you start again?

The postpartum period refers to the six weeks following birth. During this time, libido is usually low and sex may be inadvisable for a number of reasons, for example:

• Healing after an episiotomy (a surgical cut made during vaginal birth)
• Healing of the abdominal incisions after a caesarean section
• Normal postnatal bleeding (lochia), which can continue for 4 to 6 weeks after the birth
• Fatigue
• The baby's needs
• Changing hormone levels
• Breast pain
• Emotional strain

Intercourse is generally safe once any incisions have fully healed. This healing usually takes a few weeks. Most doctors recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after giving birth before resuming intercourse.

Sex positions after giving birth

After birth, your body needs time to recover and regenerate. That means the postnatal bleeding needs to stop, the cervix needs to close, and any vaginal tears or your caesarean scar need to heal.

Once your body has recovered and you're ready to resume your sex life (with your doctor's approval, of course), here are some of the safest and most comfortable sex positions for the postpartum period:

• Spooning, just as in pregnancy

• The Amazon position and other positions where you're on top

• The anchor (a slight variation on the missionary position that takes the pressure off your abdomen)

Less comfortable and less safe are positions that place greater pressure on your abdomen or allow deeper penetration. Even if they're your and your partner's favourites, wait until your body has fully recovered before returning to positions such as doggy style, standing sex or classic missionary. If you'd like to know more about resuming your sex life and the recommended positions after giving birth, we have an article HERE devoted entirely to this topic that explains everything you need to know.

Frequently asked questions

Discover the most common questions about sex during pregnancy below!

Is sex during pregnancy a good thing?

As long as there's no medical reason not to and you feel comfortable, sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe and can bring a whole host of benefits.

Is it a problem if I don't have sex during pregnancy?

No. Some women don't want sex during pregnancy, and that's absolutely fine.
 

How can libido fluctuate during pregnancy?

In the first trimester, libido may be low because of hormonal changes. In the second and third trimesters, it usually picks up again.

Sources:

1. "The Effects of Sexual Activity on Uterine Contractions in Pregnancy", Journal of Women's Health, 12 June 2009, https://www.liebertpub.com/

2. Arun Nagarth, Malhotra Narendra, Seth Shikha. "Progress in Obstetrics and Gynecology–3", Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2012, Ch. 9, p. 157

3. Poonam Suchdev. "What Are Sex Positions During Pregnancy?", WebMD, 13 Dec. 2022, https://www.webmd.com

4. "What to know about sex during pregnancy", Medical News Today, 18 Dec. 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com