Sex During Pregnancy

Sex during pregnancy has been a subject surrounded by both myths and common misconceptions. These have raised many concerns about the safety of engaging in sex while pregnant, with many pregnant people worried about miscarriages or early labor.

It is perfectly safe to have sex during all stages of pregnancy, as it has not been shown to affect the pregnancy in any way. In this article, we shall be discussing sex during pregnancy, and the factors that could affect intimacy in each trimester.

Can You Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Simply put, yes, you can have sex during pregnancy, if the pregnancy is healthy and there are no active complications or underlying conditions that would make intercourse risky. In such instances, a medical professional might suggest abstaining from sexual intercourse during pregnancy. 

However, during pregnancy, a baby is well-protected from the outside world. The amniotic fluid provides a safe environment for incubation, the thickened muscular lining of the uterus provides additional protection, while the closed cervix locks out just about anything entering through the vagina.

Sex and Pregnancy

Pregnancy in and of itself has an impact on sexual desire, due to all the hormones that accompany it. Some people might experience a significant increase in their sexual appetite, while others may lose interest completely. For others, these feelings can fluctuate radically throughout a pregnancy.

It is very important to pay attention to your body and do what feels right sexually, with the consent of everyone involved. With that being said, there are some common things that many couples experience throughout a typical pregnancy. 

Sex During the First Trimester

The first trimester of a pregnancy can be challenging for many people, and many of the symptoms associated with early pregnancy can cause anxiety about sexual intercourse. Many pregnant people experience light spotting and bleeding, and while this can be concerning on its own, it is especially worrisome when it occurs after sex.

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

Some people may experience cramping after intercourse during pregnancy, and this is also quite normal. During sexual intercourse, and climax, the uterus naturally has contractions. This can present as mild cramping early in the pregnancy. 

These types of contractions are typically not a cause for concern on their own, as long as your doctor has determined that there is no elevated risk of preterm birth, or any other complication that might arise from contractions at this point in the pregnancy.

Sex During the Second Trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, the initial negative symptoms of early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, taper off. Many pregnant people at this point report being able to sleep better, and having increased levels of energy overall.

As pregnant partners become more comfortable with the pregnancy, they also become more comfortable with the idea of sex. A 2024 study on the influence that pregnancy has on sexual desire found that the second trimester of pregnancy was the time in which couples are most actively interested in physical intimacy.

Again, it is perfectly safe to remain sexually active through the second trimester just as it is during the first, as long as your doctor does not explicitly advise against it. As the pregnancy develops, however, many people find certain positions more comfortable for sex than others. This is because 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 - such as, it could cause early labor or have some sort of negative impact on the baby - there is no reliable research to support this. If the pregnancy is proceeding as planned, and both partners are comfortable, it is perfectly safe to have sex even in the final weeks leading up to childbirth.

Pregnant people sometimes report leaky breasts during sex in the third trimester, but this is perfectly normal. Sexual intercourse or stimulation of the breasts during sex can result in the release of a substance called colostrum. Colostrum is released by many women prior to childbirth as their breasts prepare to produce milk for their child.

Couples may also notice minor bleeding sometimes after sex during the third trimester, especially following particularly vigorous intercourse. This is because at this stage of the pregnancy, the cervix is extremely sensitive. However, minor bleeding or spotting is not usually 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 from some sexual activities for the health of the baby and the pregnant partner.

The following are a few medical reasons a doctor might recommend sexual abstinence during pregnancy:

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

Certain conditions, like leaking amniotic fluid, cervical incompetence and placenta previa make sex during pregnancy riskier. Consult with your doctor throughout your pregnancy to ensure your sex life will not endanger the health of your child.

Since pregnancy can be difficult both physically and emotionally for the pregnant partner, it is 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.

In general, sex should have enthusiastic, ongoing consent from all partners involved. If you have any questions or concerns about sex during pregnancy, Nevada Fertility Center 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

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

Does Sex Cause Early Labor?

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

What Are the Best Sexual Positions During Pregnancy?

The best sexual positions for pregnant people ultimately come down to the comfort level and personal preferences of both partners. 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. In general, sexual positions that put weight on the pregnant partner’s stomach should be avoided, but otherwise, the best positions are the ones that bring both partners the greatest enjoyment.