Pregnant women often wonder if having sex can affect pregnancy. In deciding whether to have sex while you are expecting, consider a number of factors, including your stage of pregnancy, existing health factors and the type of sex you enjoy.
So, is having sex when pregnant good or bad? For most healthy pregnancies, sex is not bad at all. In fact, it is usually considered safe unless your doctor or midwife has recommended otherwise. The baby is protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid and cervix, so sex will not hurt the baby in an uncomplicated pregnancy.
Certain symptoms during pregnancy, however, require foregoing sex and may even necessitate an immediate trip to your doctor’s office. Heavy bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, and painful cramps or contractions after sex should be taken seriously.
How Pregnancy Protects the Baby
As your baby grows in your uterus, the amniotic fluid provides a buoyant layer of cushioning around his developing body. A thick mucus plug in the neck of your cervix, the opening into your uterus, helps to protect the baby’s environment from bacteria.
While the amniotic fluid and mucus plug help shield your baby from harm, these barriers may not remain in place throughout your entire pregnancy. If your water breaks, you leak amniotic fluid, or your doctor says your cervix has begun to open early, sex may no longer be safe.
When Sex During Pregnancy Is Usually Good
Whether or not sex is good or bad during pregnancy depends on your individual situation. In general, sexual intercourse is a safe practice in normal pregnancies. You may need to experiment with different sexual positions, especially during the later stages of your pregnancy. If you experience complications of your pregnancy, such as preterm labor or spotting, your doctor may advise that you avoid sex.
For many couples, sex during pregnancy can be a positive part of staying emotionally and physically close. It may help partners feel connected during a time that can be exciting, stressful and full of change.
Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy can bring you and your partner closer together during this potentially stressful time. You may notice that your physical changes can increase both your sexual desire and pleasure, especially during the middle phase of your pregnancy.
March of Dimes notes that increased blood flow during pregnancy may make orgasms feel more intense for some women. However, desire can also go the other way. Fatigue, nausea, sore breasts, body changes and anxiety can all make sex less appealing, and that is normal too.
Sex may also help you feel attractive and desirable as your body changes shape to accommodate your growing baby. But if you do not feel like having sex, that does not mean anything is wrong. Cuddling, kissing, massage, and other forms of intimacy can also keep you and your partner connected.
Risks of Sex During Pregnancy
Having sex after your water breaks or you lose your mucus plug can increase your risk of developing a uterine infection. In addition, you should avoid certain sexual practices throughout your pregnancy.
During oral sex, blowing into your vagina may cause an air embolism to enter your bloodstream. Although this occurrence is very uncommon, an air embolism can be dangerous for you and your baby. March of Dimes specifically recommends that partners not blow air into the vagina during oral sex.
You should also be cautious about anal sex during pregnancy. March of Dimes notes that the anus contains bacteria, and anal sex may increase the risk of transferring bacteria to the vagina, especially if vaginal sex follows anal sex.
Protection is also important if you have a new partner, multiple partners or a partner who may have a sexually transmitted infection. Mayo Clinic advises avoiding vaginal, oral and anal sex if your partner has an STI, because infections during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for both mother and baby.
When Sex During Pregnancy May Be Bad or Unsafe
While intercourse during a healthy pregnancy seldom causes concern, certain situations require you to seek your doctor’s advice prior to sexual activities.
Possible risks include a history of premature labor or miscarriage, a rupture in your amniotic membrane, unexplained vaginal discharge or bleeding, placenta previa, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, and an incompetent cervix.
Your doctor may recommend avoiding sex if you have vaginal bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, cervical incompetence, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labor or premature birth.
Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms during your pregnancy. This includes heavy bleeding, painful cramps, contractions after sex, leaking fluid or anything that feels different enough to worry you.
The Bottom Line
So, is having sex during pregnancy good or bad? For most healthy pregnancies, sex is usually safe and can be a healthy part of your relationship. It will not hurt the baby, and it may even feel more pleasurable for some women.
However, sex during pregnancy may be bad or unsafe if you have certain complications, symptoms or infection risks. The safest approach is to listen to your body, talk openly with your partner and follow your doctor or midwife’s advice. If sex hurts, causes bleeding or makes you anxious, stop and ask your provider what is safe for your pregnancy.
