Sex During Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with many changes, one being the decrease or increase in libido. Changes in one’s sex life are normal during pregnancy and regardless of where you are, it’s important to ensure safety during sex.

Key Takeaways

• As long as there are no ongoing complications, it is perfectly safe to have sex during all stages of pregnancy.
• Despite myths and common misconceptions to the contrary, sex during pregnancy has not been shown to cause miscarriages or induce early labor.
• Certain conditions, like leaking amniotic fluid, cervical incompetence, and placenta previa make sex during pregnancy riskier, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional throughout the pregnancy to know what’s best for the parents and the baby.

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

The simplest answer to this question is “yes’. If the pregnancy is healthy and there are no active complications you can regularly engage in sex. A baby is well-protected from the outside world as it grows and develops throughout pregnancy. The amniotic fluid provides a safe medium for the baby to grow, and the muscular lining of the uterus provides additional protection from all manner of possible dangers, including just about anything that might come up during sexual intercourse.

There are some instances where a medical professional might suggest abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy if there are health concerns. If this is suggested by a doctor, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Sex During the First Trimester

The first trimester of a pregnancy can be difficult for many people, and many of the symptoms of an early pregnancy can cause anxiety about sexual intercourse. Many pregnant people experience light spotting and bleeding, which can be concerning on its own but more worrisome when it occurs after sex.

In most instances, though, bleeding during the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy that’s not related to having sex is often just an indicator that the fertilized egg has successfully implanted in the uterus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says as many as 1 in 4 women experience light bleeding as a normal part of a first-trimester pregnancy.

Some people experience cramping after sex during pregnancy, and this is also entirely normal. Sexual intercourse can lead to the release of certain hormones which lead to uterine contractions, which present as mild cramping early in the pregnancy. 

As long as your doctor has determined there’s no elevated risk of preterm birth or other complications that might arise from contractions at this point in the pregnancy, these types of contractions are not a cause for concern on their own.

Sex During the Second Trimester

The second trimester is usually met with a reduction in the negative symptoms of early pregnancy - morning sickness usually tapers off and many pregnant people report being able to sleep better and having more energy overall after the first trimester is behind them.

A 2024 study found the second trimester to be the time during a pregnancy in which couples are most actively interested in physical intimacy. As pregnant partners become more comfortable with the pregnancy, they also become more comfortable with the idea of sex. 

As long as your doctor doesn’t explicitly advise against it, it is perfectly safe to remain sexually active through the second trimester just as it is during the first. As the pregnancy develops, many people find certain positions more comfortable than others as the size of the pregnant partner’s uterus continues to grow, affecting their mobility or ability to lie in certain positions.

Sex During the Third Trimester

While there are many theories and misconceptions about sex during the third trimester causing early labor or negatively impacting the baby, there is no reliable research that supports these claims. As long as the pregnancy is proceeding as planned, and both partners are on board, it’s perfectly safe to get it on even in the final weeks leading up to childbirth.

Some couples might also notice minor bleeding after sex during the third trimester, especially following particularly vigorous intercourse. At this stage of the pregnancy, the cervix is extremely sensitive and minor bleeding or spotting shouldn’t be a cause for alarm as long as it subsides relatively quickly.

When to Avoid Sex During Pregnancy

While most couples can continue with an active sex life throughout pregnancy, there are occasions when a medical professional might suggest abstaining for the health of the baby and the pregnant partner. The following are a few of the reasons doctors might recommend sexual abstinence during pregnancy:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• Leaking amniotic fluid
• A prematurely open cervix sometimes referred to as cervical incompetence
• The placenta fully or partly covers the cervix, known as placenta previa
• The pregnant partner has a history of preterm labor or premature birth

As always, it is best to consult with your doctor throughout your pregnancy to ensure your sex life won’t endanger the health of your child. Most importantly, sex should have enthusiastic, ongoing consent from all partners involved. Pregnancy can be difficult both physically and emotionally, and it’s perfectly natural to lose interest in sex during some or all of your pregnancy. Open, honest communication with your partner is vital to working through the challenges of pregnancy and maintaining physical and emotional connection during a difficult time.

If you have questions about sex during pregnancy, Ivy Fertility offers a variety of services at locations across the country. Let us help you on your family planning journey.

Intercourse During Pregnancy FAQs

Can Sex Cause Miscarriages

There is no evidence that sex plays any role in miscarriages. Unfortunately, as many as 1 in 5 early pregnancies end in miscarriages - often before the pregnant partner is even aware of the pregnancy. The vast majority of miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing properly in its earliest stages. While the loss of a pregnancy is often tragic for both partners, it is safe to say that sex during pregnancy is not the cause of such a loss.

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

A 2019 study found no correlation between sexual intercourse and the induction of labor during a normal, healthy pregnancy, even close to the pregnant partner’s due date. While some people say sex during the third trimester can lead to premature birth, there is no evidence to support this claim either. 

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

There is no best sexual position as this ultimately come down to the partners’ comfort level and personal preferences. Additionally, any sexual positions that put added weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach should be avoided. As the pregnant partner’s body changes, some positions may become more comfortable or easier to maintain than others, which may dictate the most enjoyable positions. One might even say that the best positions are the ones that bring both partners the greatest enjoyment.

Bottom Line

You can have sex during the entire nine months of your pregnancy. The frequency and intensity are determined by your libido and whether you have any underlying medical conditions. If you are at risk of complications, your doctor will advise you when and how long it is safe to have sex. Above all, listen to your body and do what feels right and safe to you.