Sex and Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy is a topic whose discussion is infused with myths and common misconceptions. The main concern being about whether or not it is safe to have sex while pregnant.  Many pregnant people tend to worry about having a miscarriage or inducing preterm or early labor.

The truth is that sex during all stages of pregnancy is safe, and the unborn child will not be affected in any way. That being said, let us explore the matter further, and highlight different things that could affect intimacy during each trimester.

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

The short answer to this is, yes. During pregnancy, a baby is secure in the womb. The amniotic fluid is a safe incubator and shock absorber, the thickened uterine muscle provides ample cushioning, and a closed cervix is a barrier against anything entering through the vagina.

Unless you have underlying conditions or active complications that would make having sex risky, a healthy pregnancy will not be affected by sex. Where sex could be risky, a professional healthcare provider may recommend abstinence for the safety of both mother and child.

Sex and Pregnancy

The hormones that accompany pregnancy have a direct impact on sexual desire, increasing it in some people, decreasing it to the point of completely losing interest in others, and fluctuating like a rollercoaster throughout the pregnancy in others.

In order to navigate intimacy during pregnancy, it is important to communicate with your partner, while paying attention to your body, so that with each other’s consent, you can do what feels right and enjoy sex. 

There are some common, sex-related things, experienced by most couples throughout the course of a typical pregnancy. 

Sex During the First Trimester

Early pregnancy symptoms often cause anxiety about having sexual. Symptoms such as light spotting and bleeding after sex can be particularly worrisome in the first trimester because of the fear of a miscarriage.

The good news is that most of this type of bleeding within the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy is usually indicative of the fertilized egg successfully implanting itself in the uterus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that light bleeding is a normal part of pregnancy in the first-trimester, and is experienced by 1 in every 4 women.

The uterus naturally has contractions during sexual intercourse and climax. During early pregnancy, this can feel like mild cramping, but it is also quite normal. It usually is of no concern on its own, so long as medically, you do not have an elevated risk for preterm birth, or any other contraction-related complication.

Sex During the Second Trimester

The negative symptoms of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, tend to diminish by  the second trimester. At this point sleep improves, energy levels increase and overall, pregnant people become more at ease with being pregnant as well as with the idea of having sex.

A 2024 study discovered that not only are couples at ease with the idea of sex, but in general, they are most actively interested in intercourse around the second trimester of pregnancy.

As the pregnancy progresses, the continued growth of the pregnant partner’s uterus affects their ability to lie in certain positions, resulting in some positions being more comfortable for sex than others.

Sex During the Third Trimester

As the pregnancy gets closer to its due date, new concerns crop up regarding sex - the main one being that it could cause early labor. If the pregnancy is going on as expected, there is no reason for both partners not to engage in sexual intercourse all the way to the final weeks of pregnancy. 

Sometimes a pregnant person may experience leaky breasts during sex in this trimester. This liquid is called colostrum and is released in preparation for milk production. Sexual intercourse or stimulation of the breasts during sex can result in this leaking but this is normal, even without stimulation.

After vigorous intercourse, there sometimes might be minor bleeding. At this point, the cervix is extremely sensitive, but minor bleeding or spotting is no cause for alarm, if it subsides fairly quickly.

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

Having sex is safe throughout pregnancy. Be that as it may, there are times a doctor may suggest that a couple abstain from sexual activities for the sake of the baby and the mother.

Some medical reasons a doctor might give such a recommendation are:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding;
• A history of preterm labor or premature birth
• Leaking amniotic fluid
• Placenta previa - when the placenta fully or partially covers the cervix
• Cervical incompetence - when the cervix begins to open prematurely

Consult with your doctor regarding sex throughout pregnancy to make sure that your sex life will not interfere with the wellbeing of your unborn child.

Pregnancy can take a toll physically and emotionally. A loss of interest in sex during parts of, or throughout pregnancy is normal. To manage this, consistent, open, and honest communication with your partner is essential to navigate these challenges while maintaining your physical and emotional connection.

If you still have concerns regarding sex during pregnancy, contact Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine for expert compassionate service at locations across the country. Let us help you on your family planning journey.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages

No, there is no evidence that sex causes miscarriages. Understandably, losing a pregnancy is often tragic for both partners. However, it is safe to say that sex while pregnant is not the primary cause. Most miscarriages occur due to physiological causes that prevent the fetus from developing properly in the early stages. 

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

No, there is no evidence to support this claim either. A 2019 study was conducted to explore this possibility  but no correlation was found between sexual intercourse and early labor, even when sexual activity was close to the due date.

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

The best sexual positions during pregnancy are based on the comfort level and personal preferences of both partners. As pregnancy progresses, some positions may become less comfortable or harder to maintain, and sexual positions that put weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach should be avoided.