Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-11-01
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Wondering if it’s okay to have sex while pregnant? Many worry it might affect the baby, but is that true? The Bowtie medical team breaks down the benefits, key taboos, and essential tips for safe intimacy during pregnancy.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Many people think that having sex during pregnancy could affect the baby, but in fact, unless there’s a risk of miscarriage, placenta previa, or other special reasons advised by a doctor to abstain from sex, maintaining normal sexual activity during pregnancy won’t increase the chance of miscarriage.
In reality, the developing fetus is protected by the amniotic sac and the uterine muscles. As long as the intercourse isn’t too vigorous, avoids pressing on the pregnant woman’s abdomen, and there are no issues like placenta previa, normal sexual activity generally won’t harm the fetus.
However, in early pregnancy, women may experience reduced libido due to morning sickness or concerns about placental instability. Partners should remember to be understanding of the pregnant woman’s situation to maintain a healthy relationship.
When to Avoid Sex in Pregnancy?
Although in most cases, sex during pregnancy rarely affects the fetus, if a pregnant woman experiences the following situations or symptoms, she should avoid sexual activity and seek medical help if necessary:
| Situation/Symptom | Reason to Avoid Sex |
| Uterine contractions | Female orgasm and prostaglandins in semen may trigger contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labor |
| Vaginal bleeding | Could be due to cervicitis or vaginal tearing |
| Rupture of membranes | Increases the risk of bacterial infection for mother and fetus |
| Premature cervical dilation/incompetence | Increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth |
| Placenta previa | Increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth |
| History of preterm birth, miscarriage, or twins | Higher risk of preterm birth or miscarriage than average |
| Late pregnancy (36-40 weeks) | Vaginal intercourse may lead to premature rupture of membranes |
| Postpartum period (within 6 weeks after delivery) | The body needs time to recover to pre-pregnancy state; wait for lochia to clear, uterus to return to size, endometrium to repair, cervix to close, vaginal mucosa to normalize, and abdominal or perineal wounds to heal |
Safe Sex Positions in Pregnancy?
Except in special cases, sex during pregnancy is generally safe for both the fetus and the mother as long as it’s done safely. However, in late pregnancy, when discomfort is more pronounced, partners might consider non-penetrative intimacy or affectionate interactions to ease the pregnant woman’s discomfort, such as caressing, oral sex, or kissing.
Early Pregnancy
- Missionary position: Man on top, woman on bottom; man supports his body with arms
- Extended missionary: Similar to missionary, but avoid deep penetration to prevent pressing on the abdomen
Mid-Pregnancy
- Spooning position: Both partners lie on their sides, man enters from behind controlling depth, avoiding pressure on the abdomen
- Doggy style: Man should control depth of penetration to avoid pressing on the abdomen
- Woman on top: Woman controls the depth of penetration
Late Pregnancy
- Side spooning: Woman lies on side, slightly lifts hips backward; man enters from behind, controlling depth to avoid abdominal pressure
- Kissing, caressing the head and neck, or massaging genitals as alternatives to penetration
- Using sex toys for mutual stimulation
Precautions
- Use condoms correctly during pregnancy to reduce the risk of STIs
- In mid-to-late pregnancy, as the belly grows, avoid putting pressure on the abdomen
- Keep movements gentle to prevent discomfort or vaginal tearing
Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, if couples maintain a normal sex life, it can bring several benefits to the expectant mother:
- Reduces risk of prenatal depression: Endorphins released during sex create a sense of pleasure, fostering closeness between partners and supporting the mother’s emotional well-being
- Helps maintain figure: Sex burns calories, providing a moderate level of physical activity for pregnant women
- Boosts immune system: Studies show that sex during pregnancy can enhance cold prevention and increase IgA antibodies
- Improves orgasm experience: Increased blood flow to the genitals during pregnancy makes it easier for women to achieve orgasm and feel satisfied
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