Articles

Key takeaways

• Sex is generally safe during a low-risk pregnancy.
• Your baby is protected and will not be harmed.
• Changes in sexual desire are normal for both partners.
• Communicate openly and explore comfortable positions.

Understanding sex during pregnancy

It is usually safe to have sex when you are pregnant. Any sexual activity that does not harm you will not harm your baby. Your baby is protected in the womb by the bag of waters (the amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid ).

The penis or a sex toy cannot go beyond the cervix. This means your baby will not feel it. The mucus plug and amniotic sac also help protect your baby from infection.

Changes in sexual desire

Changes in your desire for sex are normal during pregnancy. Common pregnancy discomforts can affect how you feel.

These include nausea and tiredness. Hormonal changes and worries about your pregnancy can also play a part.

Many people find they have less sex as their pregnancy progresses. However, everyone is different. All these feelings are normal.

Your partner's sexual desire may also change during your pregnancy. It is common for partners to worry about hurting you or the baby.

They may also worry about what sexual behaviour is acceptable. How you feel about your pregnant body can affect how you both feel about sex.

Communication and intimacy

It can be stressful if one of you wants to have sex and the other does not. Many couples experience this. Try to keep talking to each other about your feelings and preferences.

If you do not feel like having sex, you can still be intimate. You can find other ways of being close.

This includes warm physical contact that does not have to lead to sex.

Finding comfortable positions and alternatives

As your body changes during pregnancy, you may need to try new positions. Sex with your partner on top can become uncomfortable.

This can happen if your breasts are tender or your bump gets in the way. It is important to say what feels comfortable for you.

You can try different positions to see what feels right. Explore different positions to find what feels best for you both. Consider:

• Side-by-side positions for comfort.
• If your partner is on top, ensure they bear their weight on their arms.
• Adjust positions if deep penetration becomes uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.

Other ways to be intimate

If you do not feel like penetrative sex, there are other ways to be intimate, such as:

• Cuddling and kissing.
• Giving or receiving massages.
• Masturbation.

When to be cautious or avoid sex

Your doctor or midwife may advise you to avoid penetrative sex in certain situations. This is when a penis or sex toy goes inside your vagina.

You may be advised to avoid penetrative sex if:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding – avoid sex until a doctor or midwife has checked you.
• Low-lying placenta (placenta praevia) – discuss this with your doctor as this carries a risk of bleeding if you have penetrative sex.
• Waters have broken – this increases the risk of infection.
• Previous early labours – you may be advised to avoid penetrative sex.
• Late stages of pregnancy with twins or multiples – you may be advised to avoid penetrative sex.

If you have had several miscarriages, your doctor may suggest avoiding sex. This may be particularly advised during the first three months of pregnancy.

If you have any concerns about sex during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife.