Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?

A common question for many expecting parents is: Is it safe to have sex in early pregnancy? For most healthy pregnancies, the answer is yes. Engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy is generally safe unless there are specific medical concerns or complications. Maintaining intimacy during pregnancy can strengthen your relationship and even reduce stress. This guide will address key considerations, including sex during the first 3 months of pregnancy, when to avoid sexual activity, and safe sex positions during pregnancy.

When to Stop Having Sex During Pregnancy

Many couples are extra cautious during pregnancy, greatly reducing or even completely avoiding sexual activity, worrying that too much force during sexual activity will harm the fetus. In addition, there are also sayings that they cannot have sex before the 3rd month of pregnancy.

In fact, pregnant women are prone to embryo implantation instability in the first 3 months of pregnancy. In addition, morning sickness and nausea symptoms are often more serious during this stage, and the body is prone to discomfort. Therefore, it may not be suitable for sexual behaviour. After 3 months, pregnant women and fetus's development is normal and healthy, and normal sex can be maintained during pregnancy. The situations that are not suitable for sexual behaviour during pregnancy include:

Previous preterm births, miscarriages, or multiple pregnancies
Women with a history of miscarriage, premature birth, recurrent miscarriage, or multiple births in the past may be weaker and prone to unstable embryo implantation. It is best to consult an obstetrician and gynaecologist during routine checkups and get advice on having sex
Have cervical and placental problems
If the cervix is weak or incompetent, there is low-lying placenta, episodes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, or the pregnant woman is at risk of placental abruption, the obstetrician and gynaecologist may suggest temporarily avoiding sex during abruption, the obstetrician and pregnancy.
Discomfort during pregnancy sex
During sexual intercourse while pregnant, if the woman experiences abdominal pain, discomfort, vaginal bleeding, water breaks, etc., it is abnormal. Please stop the sexual intercourse immediately and make an appointment with an obstetrician and gynaecologist as soon as possible.
36 weeks of pregnancy
Vaginal intercourse should be avoided after 36 weeks of pregnancy to prevent premature rupture of membranes.

Sex During the First 3 Months of Pregnancy

The first trimester can be a sensitive period due to:

Embryo implantation instability: Early pregnancy is the time when the fertilised egg implants itself into the uterine wall. While sex is unlikely to harm this process, some couples prefer to wait to reduce anxiety.
Morning sickness and fatigue: These symptoms can make sex less appealing for some women.
Miscarriage concerns: Although there is no evidence that sex causes miscarriage in a healthy pregnancy, couples may worry. It’s important to consult your doctor if you have a history of miscarriage or are concerned about risks.

If the pregnancy is progressing normally and the couple is comfortable, sex during this stage is generally safe.

What Positions Are Recommended For Pregnancy Sex?

If there is no morning sickness in early pregnancy, various sex positions can be adopted until the abdomen bulges in the second trimester. During sex, pressure on the abdomen should be avoided, and the movements should not be too violent. In late pregnancy, the abdomen swells, and pregnant women may experience back pain and increased pressure in the lower abdomen. At this stage, pregnant women can have sex while lying on their sides to reduce stress. Other ways to satisfy their sexual desires are through non-penetrative sex, such as touching, massaging, and caressing. Partners may utilise fingers or sex toys to this effect.

Safe Positions During Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy (0 to 12 weeks)

Any comfortable position is generally safe during this period.
Partners should avoid forceful movements and putting pressure on the abdomen.

Second trimester (13 to 27 weeks)

As the baby bump grows, positions that reduce abdominal pressure become more comfortable:

Side-lying (spooning): Both partners lie on their sides, with the male partner entering from behind. This position is gentle and avoids abdominal pressure.
Female top (cowgirl style): The woman controls the depth and pace, reducing discomfort.
Rear entry: Also known as "paparazzi style", the woman kneels on the bed, and the man controls the depth of penetration from behind, a pillow can be placed under the woman's abdomen to reduce pressure.

Late Pregnancy (28-40 Weeks)

In the final trimester, abdominal size and back pain may limit mobility. Non-penetrative options become more appealing:

Side-lying: As in the second trimester, spooning is a safe and comfortable choice.
Non-penetrative intimacy: Couples can explore touching, massaging, and using sex toys for satisfaction.

Due to the weakened immunity and weak resistance of pregnant women during pregnancy, they are more prone to urinary tract infection or vaginal infection. The use of condoms is recommended for partners that may be suffering from undiagnosed or frank sexually transmitted disease or is not in a monogamous relationship.

Positions and Behaviours to Avoid:

Avoid the "man on woman" missionary position, which tends to suppress blood flow to pregnant women and babies, especially after 20 weeks
Avoid any pressure on the abdomen or dangerous movements
Do not blow into the vagina, as this may cause an air embolism in the pregnant woman
Oral sex for pregnant women to maintain oral hygiene to avoid bacterial infection

If you experience bleeding, water breakage, or discomfort during pregnancy, stop having sex and seek medical attention immediately.

Pregnancy Sex Boosts Happiness For Pregnant Women

Maintaining an active sexual life during pregnancy is good for both the pregnant woman and her husband. Libido in women increases in pregnancy due to the increased hormone secretion and pelvic cavity and vaginal congestion after pregnancy, women often have a great increase in libido. It is very beneficial to relieve pregnancy discomfort and tension:

Easy Orgasm

Increased blood flow to the genitals and increased number of orgasms in pregnant women

Stay in Shape

Sex Burns Calories, Helps Stay Active

Maintain Intimacy

Sexual behavior brings couples closer together, orgasm releases endorphins, which can also help pregnant women and fetuses feel happy and relaxed, and reduce the chance of prenatal depression

Strengthen the immune System

Sexual activity increases IgA antibodies that protect against colds and other infections, study finds

Some pregnant women worry that sexual arousal will cause uterine contraction and affect the fetus, but in fact, if the pregnant woman has no history of premature labour and miscarriage, orgasm will only cause temporary hypoxia to the fetus and will not affect the fetus.

If the fetus is developing normally and healthy, normal sexual behaviour can be maintained during pregnancy. If you have questions about sexual behaviour during pregnancy, consult your family doctor or obstetrician.

References

1. Cadman, B. (2019, February 22). Sex during pregnancy: Safety tips, positions, effects, and information. Medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321648

2. Good Doctor Web. (2021a, December 1). Pregnant Can Have Sex? What do I need to notice? Doctor: Can, But, Avoid in these ４ conditions！. Good Doctor Web. https://gooddoctorweb.com/post/1148

3. China Times. (2021b, December 6). Sex during pregnancy These positions are better! 4 The situation is absolutely impossible. Health - China Times. https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20211206000009-260418?chdtv

4. Family Health Service - Healthy Sex Life Before and After Childbirth. (2017). Gov.hk. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from https://www.fhs.gov.hk/tc_chi/health_info/woman/15684.html

5. You can still enjoy sex while pregnant. (2003, November 14). Apple Daily. https://www.appledaily.com.tw/skipped-tw/20031114/RNSYGM7D6RKF4KB7ETTMPVUADQ/

6. Yahoo News. (2016, August 3). Is it okay for pregnant mothers to have sex? 10 big questions answered at once. Yahoo News. https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%AD%95%E5%AA%BD%E5%92%AA%E6%80%A7%E7%94%9F%E6%B4%BB%E8%A1%8C%E4%B8%8D%E8%A1%8C-10%E5%A4%A7%E5%95%8F%E9%A1%8C-%E6%AC%A1%E8%A7%A3%E7%AD%94-020908048.html

7. Health.tvbs. (2020, June 12). Can I enjoy sex while pregnant? Obstetrics and gynecology famous doctor warns that 2 things may lead to premature birth. Health.tvbs. https://health.tvbs.com.tw/regimen/324117

Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?

When to Stop Having Sex During Pregnancy

Sex During the First 3 Months of Pregnancy