Sex During Pregnancy: What’s Safe, What to Expect, and When to Be Cautious

In short: Intercourse is safe for mother and baby in a normal pregnancy, because the baby is protected by the amniotic fluid, the membranes and the wall of the uterus. It should be avoided with placenta praevia, vaginal bleeding, threatened preterm labour, a weak or opening cervix, broken waters, certain sexually transmitted infections, or on the doctor’s advice. Most early miscarriages are due to chromosome errors and have nothing to do with intercourse.

• Is having sex during pregnancy safe?
• Does desire, sensation, and pleasure change during pregnancy?
• What are the best positions for sex during pregnancy?
• What symptoms require medical attention?
• In which cases should sex be avoided during pregnancy?
• Can making love during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?
• What are the best practices to prevent sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy?

Is having sex during pregnancy safe?

A healthy sexual relationship plays an important role in a couple’s life, both before pregnancy and after childbirth. In most healthy pregnancies, sexual intimacy is safe for both mother and baby, since the baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid, the uterus, and the abdominal wall. If you have any concerns about your specific pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor.

Does desire, sensation, and pleasure change during pregnancy?

Every woman’s experience is different. Some women notice a decrease in sexual desire, while others feel an increase in sex drive. Some feel more comfortable and fulfilled, while others simply have little interest in sex during this time.

These changes are mainly linked to the deep hormonal shifts that happen during pregnancy. In the first half of pregnancy, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and a frequent need to use the bathroom can significantly lower sexual desire for some women. On the other hand, increased vaginal secretions and greater blood flow to the genital area can make sensations feel more intense and pleasurable for others. As pregnancy progresses and the belly grows, however, it can become more challenging for both partners to find a comfortable position.

Best positions for sex during pregnancy:

Really, any position that keeps the woman comfortable can work well. Here are a couple of gentle suggestions:

• The position of Andromache: the man lies on his back while the woman sits on top, allowing her more control and less pressure on her abdomen.
• The spoons position: both partners lie on their sides, which is often more comfortable later in pregnancy.

What symptoms require medical attention?

• It’s quite normal to feel mild contractions during or after sex, but if they continue for several minutes, it’s best to check in with your doctor.
• If you notice any bleeding during or after intercourse, contact your doctor.

• Also contact your doctor if you notice fluid leaking from the vagina, or unusual discharge, burning or sores. Pregnancy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so use condoms if either partner may have an infection or there is a new partner.

Sex during pregnancy should be avoided in the following cases:

• In cases of placenta previa.
• Signs or pain suggesting preterm labor.
• In case of vaginal bleeding.
• Abdominal pain.
• A weakened or short cervix (cervical insufficiency), or if you have a cervical stitch and your doctor has advised against intercourse. - If your waters have broken (leaking fluid from the vagina). - If you have had preterm labour before or are expecting twins or more and your doctor has advised you to avoid it. incompetent cervix.
• Dilatation of the cervix.
• Leakage of amniotic fluid.
• A sexually transmitted infection such as herpes.
• When your doctor advises you to avoid intercourse.

Can making love during pregnancy cause a miscarriage?

In most cases, early miscarriage in the first trimester is caused by chromosomal abnormalities, not by sex during pregnancy. The baby is well away from the vaginal area and is protected by the amniotic fluid, the uterus, and the abdominal wall.

What are the best practices to prevent sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy?

If a partner has other sexual contacts during the pregnancy, it is strongly recommended to stop sexual contact or at least use a condom.

If you have questions about intimacy during pregnancy or want advice for your specific situation, the team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous’s clinic is here to help.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist