Sex during pregnancy

There are lots of things you may have heard about having sex during pregnancy that might not necessarily paint the full picture. For example, some people say your baby may get hurt, it can encourage labour or that it’s not safe at all.

Here to clear up any ideas, doubts or questions you might have about sex during pregnancy are leading London Gynaecology consultants sexual and reproductive health consultant Miss Julie Bowring, and Miss Meg Wilson, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist.  

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Miss Bowring: It is absolutely safe to have sex during pregnancy. Some women may be advised to avoid sex by their medical team. If all is going well in your pregnancy and you have not been advised to avoid sex, you can continue without worrying it will harm your pregnancy.

Will sex during pregnancy hurt your baby?

Miss Bowring: Sex does not hurt your baby during pregnancy. When you are having sex your partner's penis will not reach up as far as where your baby is. Your baby is positioned safely inside the womb and will not be affected by you having sex.

When might you advise abstaining from sex during pregnancy?

Miss Wilson: You may be advised to avoid having sex if there are specific concerns about your pregnancy.  Examples include risks of infection such as your waters have broken early, if there are problems with your cervix or if your placenta is positioned low in your pelvis.  You should not have sex if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection. 

How might sex change throughout the trimesters?

Miss Bowring: During early pregnancy women may feel less interested in sex as they are managing new symptoms such as tiredness and morning sickness. Some women may still be interested in sex and notice they are more sensitive during sex due to increased blood flow to the pelvis and genital area. For many women the second trimester is when they will be most interested in sex as they often have more energy at this time and will be over their first trimester sickness. In the third trimester sex is still possible however the growing pregnancy may mean women need to look for alternative positions to feel comfortable.

Is it normal to go off sex during pregnancy?

Miss Bowring: It is perfectly normal to not want to have sex during pregnancy. Women experience a change in their energy levels and libido throughout pregnancy. Early in the first trimester women may be suffering morning sickness which will may increase the likelihood of them going off sex. Later in pregnancy as your baby grows you may find it more uncomfortable to have sex and certain positions may feel more awkward. Not wanting to have sex is common and talking to your partner is important to let them know how you are feeling. 

Are there any potential risks associated with sex during pregnancy? ​

Miss Wilson: There are only risks with specific situations and these should be discussed with your doctor or midwife.  The more common issues are with the mother's cervix, problems with the position of the placenta or risks of infection to the baby because the waters have broken. 

What should you do if there’s blood spotting post-sex? ​

Miss Wilson: This should be discussed with your midwife or doctor.  They may ask you to come to the clinic for a foetal well-being check.  It is important to check your smear test is up to date if you are over the age of 25 years.

If sex during pregnancy is painful, should you be worried?

Miss Bowring: Some women will experience pelvic cramps after sex. These symptoms may come on during or after orgasm and are caused by increased blood flow to abdomen and womb. In an uncomplicated pregnancy these cramps are likely to settle down soon after having sex. Rarely pain may due to a different reason such as early labour. If you experience strong pains or bleeding from the vagina after sex you must contact your midwife or doctor.

Can sex really help with labour/contractions? ​

Miss Wilson: There is no evidence to say this helps start labour. However, in theory, it can help stimulate the cervix and release the prostaglandins to start labour contractions.  Do not have sex if your waters have broken. 

If you require assistance regarding your sexual or reproductive health, arrange a consultation with Miss Bowring via her Top Doctors profile.

Or, if you have a concern regarding an obstetric or gynaecological issue, make an appointment with Miss Wilson by visiting her Top Doctors profile.