Common Questions and Concerns
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy.
Can sex harm my baby?
No. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds
the fetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. There's also
a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. The penis
does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.
Can intercourse or orgasm cause miscarriage or contractions?
In cases of normal, low-risk pregnancies, the answer is no. The contractions that
you may feel during and just after orgasm are entirely different from the contractions
associated with labor. However, you should check with your health care provider to
make sure that your pregnancy falls into the low-risk category.
Health care providers also recommend that all women stop having sex during the
final weeks of pregnancy, just as a safety precaution, because semen contains a chemical
that may actually stimulate contractions. Check with your health care provider to
see what he or she thinks is best.
Is it normal for my sex drive to increase or decrease during pregnancy?
Actually, both of these possibilities are normal (and so is everything in between).
Many pregnant women find that symptoms such as fatigue (being very tired), nausea,
breast tenderness, and the increased need to pee make sex less enjoyable, especially
during the first trimester. Generally, these symptoms ease up during the second trimester,
and some women find that their desire for sex increases. Also, some women find that
freedom from worries about birth control and a renewed closeness with their partner
make sex more fulfilling. Desire generally lowers again during the third trimester
as the uterus grows even larger and the reality of what's about to happen sets in.
Your partner's desire for sex is likely to increase or decrease as well. Some feel
even closer to their pregnant partner and enjoy the changes in their bodies. Others
may have decreased desire because of anxiety about the burdens of parenthood, or because
of concerns about the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Your partner may have trouble reconciling your identity as a sexual partner with
your new (and increasingly visible) identity as an expectant mother. Again, remember
that communication with your partner can be a great help in dealing with these issues.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your health care provider if you're unsure whether sex is safe for you. Also,
call if you notice any unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding,
or discharge, or if you experience contractions that seem to continue after sex.
Remember, "normal" is a relative term when it comes to sex during pregnancy. You
and your partner need to discuss what feels right for both of you.
Date reviewed: October 2016