For many pregnant women and their partners, their sex life will not change significantly during pregnancy.
Many people, however, will enjoy their sex life even more. The high levels of sex hormones provide additional blood flow and moisture to the vagina, which can cause pregnant women to feel more turned on. Women who have not previously experienced orgasms may experience them during pregnancy.
Some pregnant women may experience decreased sex drive during pregnancy. It may be that other needs become more important, such as closeness and cuddling. It is important that you talk to your partner about this.
A lack of sex drive can be linked to nausea, tiredness and exhaustion. This is particularly true during the first and last trimesters. Towards the end of pregnancy, changes in the body and movement can also inhibit sex drive.
Personal and cultural factors can also influence attitudes towards sex during pregnancy. This will often vary between couples.
Is sex during pregnancy dangerous?
The penis cannot harm the foetus. When a pregnant woman has an orgasm, her uterus contracts and her stomach becomes as hard as a ball. This is also not harmful to the foetus.
The foetus is well-protected inside the abdomen, and the mucus plug inside the cervix acts as a barrier to infections. If you experience bleeding during pregnancy, you should avoid sexual intercourse and contact your midwife, doctor or maternity ward.
It is not uncommon for there to be small traces of blood after intercourse. This is due to the large supply of blood to the uterine lining and vagina. The mucous membranes are also more swollen and therefore bleed more easily. In any case, contact your midwife or doctor if you experience bleeding.
Sex toys during pregnancy
If you want to use sex toys during pregnancy or breastfeeding, you should choose products that do not contain phthalates. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be found in some types of soft plastics.
Sex toys made of silicone, glass, stainless steel or hard plastic that does not contain plasticisers are safe to use, provided your pregnancy is normal and you have not received other advice from a doctor or midwife.
If you already have sex toys or are unsure whether the product contains phthalates, you can place a condom over the toy to reduce the risk of chemical exposure.
Make sure you clean all equipment thoroughly before and after use. Be especially careful if something feels uncomfortable or painful.
Sex during the last trimester
Sexual activity will often decrease towards the end of pregnancy.
Your stomach may get in the way in some positions. However, as long as the desire is still there for both partners, there are many different positions you can try: the pregnant woman can sit on top, the partner can stand behind or you can have intercourse from the side.
Oral sex can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy, as long as neither party has open mouth sores.
Fear of harming the foetus can be a contributory factor to reduced desire and sexual activity in both the pregnant woman and the partner.
Sex to induce labour
There is no good medical evidence to show that sex can induce labour. During the period around your due date, your body will still be preparing to give birth, but there is nothing stopping you from trying.
Sperm cells contain prostaglandins, which can soften the cervix. The pregnant woman’s own production of oxytocin can increase through breast stimulation and any orgasms. Oxytocin can help to induce contractions in the uterus.
Due to the risk of infection, sexual intercourse is not advised if the amniotic fluid has broken.
Exercise during pregnancy and after childbirth
Healthy pregnant women should remain physically active and stay fit. You can continue to exercise until childbirth as long as it does not cause any pain or discomfort.
Sex after childbirth (in Norwegian)
Giving birth does not have to affect your sex life, but, for some people, activity and desire may change because they are tired and their circadian rhythm is disrupted.