Spoiler alert: it’s safe, normal, and yes! can still be enjoyable.
Pregnancy comes with a lot of questions.
Can I eat that? Can I sleep like this? Can I sneeze without peeing? (Relatable.)
But one topic that often gets awkwardly swept under the maternity pillow is sex during pregnancy.
So let’s bust the myths and talk openly about safe sex while pregnant. Because staying connected with your partner matters and knowing what’s safe can ease a lot of unnecessary worry.
Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?
Short answer: For most pregnancies, absolutely yes.
If you're having a low-risk pregnancy, sex is totally safe at every stage, from the moment you pee on that stick right up to the third trimester. Your baby is well protected by the amniotic sac, strong uterine muscles, and the plug of mucus at the cervix (yes, it's a thing, pregnancy is wild).
That said, there are a few cases where your healthcare provider might recommend hitting pause. These include:
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A history of preterm labour
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Placenta previa (where the placenta is covering the cervix)
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Cervical insufficiency
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Unexplained bleeding or fluid leakage
If you're ever unsure, just check in with your midwife or doctor.
Will It Hurt the Baby?
Nope. No matter what position you're getting creative with, your baby is safe and sound. They might feel some gentle rocking, but it’s more like a lullaby than a dance party.
You might notice bub moving more afterward, that’s usually due to your heart rate increasing or hormonal changes, not because they’re judging your technique (promise).
What If I Don’t Feel Like It?
Totally normal. Your libido can go up, down, and loop-the-loop during pregnancy.
First trimester? Fatigue, nausea, and bloating might put sex at the bottom of your to-do list. Second trimester? Hello hormones and boosted blood flow, many women feel their most sensual here.
Third trimester? Well… let’s just say rolling over takes strategy, so it’s okay if intimacy looks more like a cuddle and a back rub.
The key is to keep communication open. You and your partner are adapting to a huge life shift, and physical closeness doesn’t always have to mean sex.
Top Tips for Safe & Comfortable Pregnancy Sex
Follow your comfort – Listen to your body. If a position feels awkward or uncomfortable, switch it up. Spooning, side-lying, or anything that keeps pressure off your belly can be a win.
Embrace lube – Hormonal changes can lead to vaginal dryness, so using a water-based lubricant can make things feel smoother and more enjoyable.
Avoid lying flat too long – Especially in the third trimester, lying on your back can compress important blood vessels. Use pillows to prop yourself or try other angles.
Stay emotionally connected – Pregnancy can bring up a lot of feelings. Staying close emotionally, through touch, laughter, and simple affection matters just as much as physical intimacy.
Communicate openly – If something doesn’t feel right (physically or emotionally), speak up. You deserve to feel safe and supported.
A Word on Aftercare (and Breast Changes!)
Your breasts might be more sensitive (or off-limits altogether), and for some women, nipple stimulation can cause mild contractions. While these are usually harmless Braxton Hicks, chat with your care provider if you're concerned.
Oh! and yes, some women leak colostrum during sex. Totally normal. Just one more reason to love your breast pads.
At the end of a long day
Sex during pregnancy is typically safe and can even be a lovely way to connect as you prepare to welcome your little one. There’s no “one right way” to navigate intimacy just tune into your body, communicate openly, and adjust as you go.
And if you're navigating pregnancy with a wearable breast pump on standby, go you. Modern parenting is all about multitasking, after all.
