Sex is a healthy part of a loving relationship with your partner. But is it OK for you to have sex when you’re pregnant? For most women, yes, sex is safe during pregnancy. If you have questions about having sex during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider.
Here are the top things you need to know about sex during pregnancy:
- It’s OK for you to have changing desires about sex during pregnancy. Talk to your partner about what makes you feel comfortable.
- If your pregnancy is healthy, you can have sex. You and your partner can use positions that are safe and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
- Sex doesn’t hurt your baby. The amniotic fluid in your uterus helps protect your baby when you’re having sex.
- If you have pregnancy complications now or if you’ve had them in the past, having sex during pregnancy may not be safe.
- If after having sex you have heavy bleeding, painful cramps or leaking amniotic fluid, call your provider or go to the emergency room.
Tips for Having Sex During Pregnancy
• Uncomfortable? Try positions you do not usually use, and use pillows to help support where needed. When the baby has engaged in the pelvis, the woman can try lying, crouching, or kneeling with her back to her partner so he enters her from behind.
• Too tired? Try the morning, afternoon, or a time when you are more rested.
• Breasts leaking? Try wearing a padded nursing bra.
Tips for Partners
Use questions to keep communication open:
• Is this position still comfortable for you at this stage?
• What can I do to make this better?
• Does this hurt?
• Are you worried about the baby?
• Would you like to try something else?
Check-in frequently during sex to be sure your partner is comfortable and enjoying the experience.
What about orgasm?
A mother’s orgasm can trigger the uterus to contract. This can happen even with masturbation or oral sex. However, this usually does not affect the baby. Contractions normally stop after a few minutes. If you have a risk for preterm labor, you may be advised by your health care provider to avoid orgasms during your pregnancy.
Is oral sex OK?
Oral sex can be an alternative to vaginal sex. Two points to remember are:
• Don’t let your partner blow air into your vagina because it can cause an air bubble in your bloodstream. This is a very serious complication.
• Do not have oral sex if your partner has a cold sore (herpes virus) because the virus can infect you.
Will sex start labor?
Not unless you are ready to go into labor already or are at risk for preterm labor. If your baby is due, sex may help your body get ready for labor because:
• Semen contains a hormone called prostaglandin that may help start contractions and soften the cervix.
• Stimulation of the nipples by rubbing, rolling, or sucking releases the hormone oxytocin. This can also cause the uterus to contract. You will notice these as afterpains when you first start breastfeeding after birth.
• Orgasm can cause the uterus to contract.
How soon after the baby is born can we have sex?
You may have sex again when you feel ready, usually when vaginal bleeding has decreased and any tears or stitches have healed. It is normal for women to need time to “get in the mood.” Feeling well-rested and lots of foreplay will help. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse uncomfortable, but using a sterile, water-soluble lubricant in the vagina and/or on the penis can help. Before you start having sex again, ensure you have effective birth control