Sex During Pregnancy

Many expecting couples erroneously think that sex during pregnancy can harm their baby or induce premature labor. However, sex during pregnancy is completely safe and cannot harm your baby because he or she is protected in your uterus by the surrounding amniotic fluid. It can neither affect the course of pregnancy nor increase the risk of premature labor if having a normal pregnancy. Changes in your sexual desire and finding comfortable positions during sex are the main issues you will probably face if having an uncomplicated pregnancy. You may experience an increased sex drive due to the hormonal changes but you may also have less interest in sex than you had before you were pregnant. Either way, changes in sexual desire during pregnancy are completely normal whether they result in increased or reduced interest in sex.

If you decide to continue with your usual sexual activities during pregnancy you will need to pay more attention to positions, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Most positions are “acceptable“ as long as you feel comfortable although you should consider avoiding lying on your back during sex after the fourth month of pregnancy because the weight of your baby can constrict your blood vessels and make you feel dizzy. Consider lying on your side, position yourself on the top of your partner or whatever position suits the two of you the most but remember that you should feel no pain during sex. In case you do, discontinue intercourse and contact your doctor as soon as possible. Also, stop sexual activity immediately if you start to bleed, experience painful or regular contractions, or if your water breaks. In this case seek prompt medical attention.

Oral sex during pregnancy is considered safe but it is highly important to make sure that your partner does not blow air into your vagina because it poses a risk of air embolism (blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble) which can be potentially life-threatening. It is also recommendable to avoid anal sex because it increases the risk of transmission of bacteria from your anus to vagina which can cause an infection. Even more important is to avoid risky sexual behavior such as unprotected sexual contacts with a person who has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or unknown STD-status. You are also highly recommended to use a condom if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship.

Although the majority of pregnant women can continue with their sexual activities as long as they feel comfortable having sex, sexual activities during pregnancy should be avoided in some cases. Doctors typically advice to abstain from sex if having a high-risk pregnancy, for instance if being at increased risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, if having a history of miscarriage or any complications of pregnancy such as unexplained vaginal bleeding, placenta pervia (placenta completely or partly blocking the cervical opening), cervical incompetence (prematurely opened cervix), leakage of amniotic fluid and multiple pregnancy. It is important to keep in mind, that avoidance of sex can also mean avoidance of everything that can cause sexual arousal and orgasm. Consult with your doctor if you are not sure what your allowed.