Sex during pregnancy

For many pregnant perons 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 persons to feel more turned on. Persons who have not previously experienced orgasms may experience them during pregnancy. 

Some pregnant people 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?

Penis, sex toys or fingers cannot harm the foetus. When a pregnant person has an orgasm, the uterus contracts and her stomach becomes as hard as a ball. This is also not harmful to the foetus. 

Penis, fingers or sex toys inserted into the vagina cannot harm the baby. When the pregnant person has an orgasm, the uterus contracts and the abdomen becomes hard, like a ball. This is also not harmful to the baby.

The baby is well protected inside the uterus, and the mucus plug in the cervix acts as a barrier against infections. The mucous membranes of the cervix are more delicate than usual. It is not uncommon to experience a small amount of spotting after vaginal penetration with a penis, fingers or sex toys. This is due to the increased blood supply to the cervix and vagina, and the mucous membranes becoming more swollen and therefore more likely to bleed.

If you experience bleeding beyond light spotting after sex, you should contact your doctor or midwife.

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 person 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 person 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 person’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.